Almost two years ago, Kansas State University secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish a partnership of organizations aimed at supporting local and regional food systems across Kansas.
Amanda Lindahl, program coordinator with Kansas Local Food Systems said, “When we think about access to food, it’s an issue across the state, and having the ability to access healthy, fresh, and local food is an issue, regardless if you are in a rural area or an urban area.”
K-State’s Local Food Systems program has since established partnerships with various organizations, supporting initiatives like the Kansas Local Foods Cooperative and the Heartland Regional Food Business Center.
In 2024, the program also funded 16 fellowships, allowing individuals to develop and implement local food initiatives in their communities while receiving compensation. Recent projects include a Second Chance Breakfast program at Thunder Ridge High School in Kensington, marketing and support for the Allen County farmers market, and an update to an online food wholesale and buyer directory in Bourbon County.
On August 27th and 28th, the program will host the first Kansas Local Food Summit in Wichita. Registration is open to the public and available online for anyone interested in learning about or contributing to their local food system.
“We’re hoping this is a place where people can feel energized, engaged, and ready to take part in building a stronger local food system in their own community,” Lindahl said.
