Kansas Food Action Network

05/28/2026

Summer event season is here — let’s fill the calendar! 🌽🍓

From farmers markets and food festivals to workshops, community meals, and local gatherings, KFAN wants to help share what’s happening across Kansas’ food system this summer.

Got an upcoming event? Submit it to the statewide Network Calendar: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDoc5R5TGcas7V6fL2W1k47oAnik88uVCJmVFTtdA1yoXSNw/viewform

Let’s make it easier for Kansans to connect, celebrate local food, and support community efforts all summer long!

05/27/2026

Harvey County is part of the Food Secure Communities Initiative. Adding food foraging to their repertoire to help all residents be food secure.

Did you know Newton has a growing network of free, locally available food sources? 🌳🍐

Through Falling Fruit and the Harvey County Foraging Passport brought about by the Harvey County Food & Farm Council, community members can discover fruit and nut trees throughout Newton and Harvey County, including spots like Washington Park and other public spaces. The project helps reduce food waste, connect people to local food, and celebrate the abundance already growing around us.

Through this initiative and partnership with the Harvey County Food & Farm Council, even more is on the way! The City plans to plant 25 red mulberry trees and 25 pawpaw trees along Sand Creek Trail and Centennial Park in spring 2027, helping expand Newton’s edible landscape for years to come.

Want to explore? Visit FallingFruit.org to find mapped edible plants, add your own trees or bushes, and learn more about local foraging opportunities. Foraging Passports are also available at City Hall as well as at Peace Connections, 209 S. Pine St. in Newton.

If you harvest, remember:
• Only pick what you can confidently identify
• Follow the “20% rule” to help keep it sustainable for everyone 🌱

05/22/2026

Great article about Common Ground Producers! These growers are doing a wonderful job filling a gap for those living in areas with limited access to fresh produce. Local folks solving local problems

https://shopkansasfarms.com/announcement/common-ground-producers-and-growers?fbclid=IwdGRjcAR8X2NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeAIKnw4oeOXuNyd61O3t_j2GJ61OtphZHKSkZGv29MlfS-fvAFAubMko2xXY_aem_OtwHoDzvwajwhc6LJriN0Q

Common Ground Producers & Growers has become an important part of the local food system in Kansas by connecting locally grown produce with neighborhoods that have limited access to fresh, healthy foods. Founded in 2014 by Donna Pearson McClish, the organization grew out of the legacy of the Pearson....

05/21/2026

Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of how organizations communicate, analyze information, and make decisions in food systems work. At the same time, many community leaders are asking: What is AI? How does it actually work? Can it help our organization? What are the risks? And how do we use it responsibly (if we choose to use it at all)?

The Kansas Food Action Network invites you to join a 3-part webinar series exploring the real-world opportunities, challenges, and limitations of AI in food systems change work. Facilitated by the Kansas Health Institute and Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute - internationally recognized leaders in AI and community engagement - this series will provide practical, fact-based information to help food systems leaders better understand AI and make informed decisions about whether, when, and how these tools fit into their work.

Webinar 1: AI Foundations: Why It Matters Now and How to Use It Responsibly

June 9th at 1pm

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/papjoKjiSjez1qk8FNMkkw

Webinar 2: Applied AI: Prompt Engineering, Use Cases and Practical Tools for Everyday Work June 16th at 1pm

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/EZ6ihgIIQwe7Q_klTS4-SA

Webinar 3: AI Governance in Practice: Building Policies and Guidelines for Responsible Use June 24th at 1pm

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/AwI-bvDhQ-alGu0YUYQCaw Comment end

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: AI Governance in Practice: Building Policies and Guidelines for Responsible Use . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

05/20/2026

Reminder! 📣 KFAN’s Statewide Call is tomorrow! Join us as we recognize Older Americans Month and discuss how food systems, nutrition programs, and community partnerships can support healthy aging across Kansas.
We’re excited to welcome Erika Debrick Kelly of Hunger Free Kansas and Heather Driver from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services to share insights on senior nutrition, food access, and aging services across the state.
We hope to see you there for a meaningful conversation on building healthier, more connected communities for older Kansans!
Register for KFAN statewide calls

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: KFAN Statewide Call. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

05/14/2026

Join us for the next KFAN Statewide Call next week on Thursday May 21st at 1pm, as we recognize Older Americans Month and explore how food systems, nutrition, and community partnerships can support healthy aging across Kansas.
We’re excited to hear from Erika Debrick Kelly, executive director of Hunger Free Kansas, and Heather Driver from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services as they share insights on senior nutrition, aging services, food access, and collaborative solutions to address hunger and support older adults in our communities.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and discuss ways to build healthier, more equitable food systems for Kansans of all ages.
Register for KFAN statewide calls https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Uoeg8OR8SYCufoc-B4cR-w?_x_zm_rtaid=jG3gC3hEQ52ZufoFEQXlJQ.1778688516123.9094511ee5dcbdc3069aea334ce46489&_x_zm_rhtaid=399 #/registration.

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: KFAN Statewide Call. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

05/13/2026

KBFA has an exciting summer Organic Farm Internship opportunity available in Historic Nicodemus, Kansas. Housing will be provided for the duration of the internship from June 15 through July 30, 2026.

This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in organic farming, connect with community, and learn directly from those working in sustainable agriculture.

The full job description and application can be found at the link below:

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:b5cac71d-da1c-47e8-884a-11abc646c647

05/13/2026

KFAN was excited to be invited to attend the Barb Depow Minimal Processing Pilot Launch on May 4th at the Mid-Continent Library Culinary Center in Kansas City! Named in honor of Barb Depew, a longtime champion of Farm to School initiatives and local food systems, this program reflects years of leadership dedicated to connecting Kansas farmers, schools, and communities. In partnership with the KC FOOD HUB, the pilot will turn imperfect produce into minimally processed fruits and vegetables ready for school salad bars and snacks—creating new markets for farmers while expanding access to fresh, local food for students. 🍎

05/09/2026

Ever wonder “What’s a co-op?” Join our friends with Homegrown Prosperity at the Merc in Lawrence on the 20th to learn more!

What happens when communities work together to solve local challenges? Come find out at the Homegrown Prosperity Open House at The Merc Co+op — where “everyone can shop, anyone can own.”

Join us in Lawrence on Wednesday, May 20 anytime between 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM to explore cooperatives, meet local partners, tour The Merc, and connect with others interested in community-owned business solutions across Kansas and Missouri. https://cr6vg.share.hsforms.com/2ZZ92NNhKQoeUx9Um8fqacQ?utm_campaign=37643795-Domestic%20Programs%202026&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-97lBq6Ed6Sf1S7MrPBRIepp_atnjUGzo3JDoERY-GT1It1WgHcv7-Lb8D69yLXFBikhiOml1PCjgMBrfqCLHGTLaNpLKTD8Xv1vzztVRsKgqxSkcA&_hsmi=417766477&utm_content=417766477&utm_source=hs_email

05/06/2026

The Crawford County Food Summit successfully brought together stakeholders from across the local food system, including farmers, business owners, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders.
The event fostered valuable discussions around food access, sustainability, and economic opportunities within the region. Participants shared insights, explored challenges, and identified collaborative solutions to strengthen Crawford County’s food system.

Thank you to all who participated and contributed to a productive and engaging summit. The connections made and ideas generated will help drive continued progress in building a resilient and inclusive local food system.