As the school year begins, a student’s readiness to learn depends on more than pencils and notebooks. Hunger affects learning. And inside our own community, childhood hunger is a real challenge.

While nationally, nearly 1 in 5 children in the U.S.—almost 14 million—face food insecurity, our community fares worse.

78% of teachers have spent their own money—up to $100—to feed students, and that’s before government funded SNAP-Ed programs end this September 30, 2025.

 

It is well documented that hunger directly impacts focus, attendance, and academic performance. Uncertainty around school meal funding leaves even more of our neighbors without certainty that their kids will have consistent access to the nutrition they need.

Kanbe’s works to make fresh, affordable food within reach for our community, installing coolers and baskets in local stores, and stocking it 5 days a week, so fresh fruit can be a quick, nourishing after-school snack or an easy-to-grab item for parents to grab.

“We have children come in to get bananas with their parents every morning to start their day for school. Your prices help our store out a lot, because many of the families that come to this store have only so much to spend. I also like how you guys come in every morning to change out the fruit. Now my customers have options to choose from.”
 

—Cavlin, Store Owner, BP, at 3319 Linwood

In just the past year, we’ve expanded through collaboration. This summer, Kanbe’s partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater KC and Saint Luke’s to launch Healthy Habits Hubs at Thornberry and J&D Wagner Units—welcoming community spaces that offer produce, nutrition education, and preventive health resources.

Reliable access to healthy food supports far more than physical health—it fuels concentration, memory, mood, motor skills, and emotional well-being. By ensuring kids are nourished today, we’re preparing the future leaders of Kansas City to thrive tomorrow.

You Can Power Kansas City Kids to Thrive
When you give, you’re putting fresh, affordable food within reach—
so kids can learn, grow, and lead.

September 11th — Meet our staff at Two Birds One Stone from 4-6pm to toast to the kickoff of our Cocktails for a Cause Giveback with Beam Suntory and Rose Productions. Come chat with us over a specialty plum syrup cocktail.

September 12th — Join Kanbe’s at Wylde Thyme (formerly Billie’s Juicery) on 63rd St from 3-5pm to celebrate our new billboard collaboration with Wellustrations and KCAI. On top of that, 20% of proceeds from 12pm to 5pm will be donated to advance Kanbe’s work.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Kansas City’s children so they can enter the classroom ready to learn, grow, and lead.

 

With gratitude,
Kanbe’s Markets

Check out our website for more happenings this Hunger Action Month, and don’t forget to download our zine to get involved and participate in all things Hunger Action!

A HUGE THANKS TO OUR HUNGER ACTION MONTH SPONSORS!

Established by Feeding America in 2008, Hunger Action Month (HAM) is a nationwide effort to raise awareness and address food insecurity across the country.