Kansas Food Action Network Engages Local Communities to Address Root Causes of
Food Insecurity
– Eight coalitions awarded $55,000 per year over three years to assess and address the root
causes of food insecurity in their community
MANHATTAN, Kansas, – Kansas Food Action Network, a program of KC Healthy Kids,
announced the launch of the Food Secure Communities Initiative, which aims to end hunger in
Kansas by addressing the policy, systems and environmental barriers to food security, also
known as “root causes.”
“Root cause work is often considered antihunger’s last frontier because the solutions are tied to
fixing systems that, when broken, result in food insecurity,” said Miranda Miller-Klugesherz,
senior director of Kansas Food Action Network. “The Food Secure Communities Initiative will
put systems-change in the hands of the coalitions and community members with lived
experience who are uniquely positioned to understand and address the root causes of food
insecurity in their region.”
Kansas Food Action Network unveiled eight Kansas health and wellness coalitions selected as
inaugural members of the Food Secure Communities Initiative. Each member will receive
funding of $55,000 per year over three years, plus peer networking and strategic assistance.
Food Secure Communities Initiative Members:
Bourbon County (Healthy Bourbon County Action Team)
Thomas County Thomas County Coalition)
Cowley County (RISE Cowley)
Harvey County (Healthy Harvey Coalition)
Lyon County (Healthier Lyon County)
Sedgwick County (Health and Wellness Coalition of Wichita)
Seward County (Liberal Area Coalition for Families)
Shawnee County (LiveWell Shawnee County)
The initiative will create a community of practice where coalitions will share best practices,
resources and strategies to advance food security at the local level. It is brought about with
generous support from the Kansas Health Foundation and United Methodist Health Ministry
Fund.
“We know when kids don’t have consistent access to healthy food, it’s harder for them to learn,
grow and thrive,” said Rachael McGinnis Millsap, vice president of policy and programs at KC
Healthy Kids. “Therefore, Kansas Food Action Network is an important part of our mission to
address food insecurity in Kansas and create sustainable and lasting change in ways that will
ultimately have a positive impact on the children within those communities.”
About KC Healthy Kids
Founded in 2005, KC Healthy Kids is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to addressing the physical
and mental health challenges impacting children in the Greater Kansas City area, including
western Missouri and all of Kansas. Through food policy and local food initiatives, mental health
support, and active community initiatives or advocacy, KC Healthy Kids and their partners
promote health for thousands of local kids and their families. Find out
more at www.kchealthykids.org.
About Kansas Food Action Network
Kansas Food Action Network, a program of KC Healthy Kids, is committed to creating a Kansas
where all residents have dependable access to food for an active, healthy and productive life.
The network supports communities as they identify and address local food system priorities by
offering support, resources and partnerships. As a result of their efforts, an estimated 73% of
Kansans are represented by a local food council, the highest per capita rate in the United
States.
Media Contact:
Ryan Bowersox
Communications Specialist, Kansas Food Action Network
rbowersox@kchealthykids.org
(785) 840-8100
