Kansas State University is partnering with the Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) to address hunger at the community level across Kansas. This collaboration, announced during K-State’s first Extension and Engagement Week, will use the resources of K-State Research and Extension, which operates in all 105 counties in the state.

The partnership aligns with KHF’s Hunger Free Kansas initiative, launched in response to concerning statistics showing that one in ten Kansans and one in five Kansas children experience food insecurity. With K-State’s strong history of community involvement and agricultural expertise, it is well-suited to aid KHF in combating hunger.

A major aspect of this partnership will involve launching innovative projects at the local level, guided by K-State Research and Extension agents. To support these efforts, KHF is providing $300,000 in funding, primarily through mini-grants for local extension offices.

Local extension agents will have the opportunity to apply for these mini-grants, with the goal of distributing funds by early 2025. This initiative reflects K-State’s commitment to its land-grant mission and aims to foster solutions that strengthen communities throughout Kansas.