The Kansas Health Foundation is awarding nearly $1 million in funding to four organizations through the Hunger Free Kansas Transformation Grant program. Each initiative targets a unique aspect of food insecurity and supports the Hunger Free Kansas initiative, a statewide collaboration. According to Feeding America, 1 in 8 Kansans face food insecurity, with 1 in 5 Kansas children uncertain about where their next meal will come from.

The organizations receiving funding include:

• Kansas Appleseed, $350,000: Efforts will focus on ensuring that all children in Kansas, both in rural and urban areas, have access to nutritious meals at school. This will involve collaborating with school districts, community partners, and local governments to create customized plans that address the specific needs of students.
• The Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation, $298,122: The goal is to establish a regional food hub in Sedgwick County, aimed at strengthening three key components of the food system: production, processing, and distribution. The initiative will also focus on economic development and foster community engagement through a new network of stakeholders.
• Kanbe’s Markets, $276,875: The goal is to enhance food access by supporting small businesses with increased buying power and creating savings for consumers on fresh fruits and vegetables. This initiative will expand Kanbe’s Markets partnerships to 25 stores in Wyandotte County, potentially reaching an additional 100,000 residents, many of whom live in food deserts.
• Douglas County, $50,000: The goal is to support the Indigenous Food System Study and Action Plan, which will gather data to better serve the county’s large Indigenous population with locally grown products and provide stronger support for Indigenous food producers.