KCK Location Updates
from the General Manager, Seth Naumann
In July, we shared the news that our KCK location will close this December. As promised, we’re providing regular updates for our owners and shoppers as we move through this transition. (Please note, the operating agreement termination applies to the Kansas City, Kansas location ONLY and does not impact the Lawrence location.)
We are committed to continuing to serve our KCK community throughout this process and beyond. Increasing access to nutritious and local foods is built into our mission, and we’ve partnered with dozens of organizations throughout our half decade in Wyandotte County working towards that same end. We are continuing those partnerships and wanted to lift up a few specific projects in need of support.
The KCK Farmers Market
We’ve been proud to host the KCK Farmers’ Market in our parking lot since 2021, one of just 3 farmers markets in Wyandotte County.
The market makes nutritious food more affordable for SNAP recipients through programs like Double Up Food Bucks and low-income seniors through the senior voucher program who make up the majority of their customers.
Are you a Wyandotte County resident interested in getting involved? They are looking for board members! Email the market with questions.
Kanbe’s Markets Survey for Wyandotte County Residents
Kanbe's Markets has a plan to expand into our area of KCK in 2025. Kanbe’s works closely with corner stores/bodegas to distribute fresh produce for sale in existing stores. A portion of the sales go to the owners, driving money back into the community. Kanbe’s is not a full service grocery store, but could help to bridge the need in our area. We’re partnering with them to circulate a survey, enabling them to better understand the nuances of our area and the learnings we’ve had while here.
If you’re located in Wyandotte County and you would like to help, reach out to us to complete a short survey. The general insights will be shared back with the Kanbe's team. KCK-based owners can expect to receive the survey directly within the week.
The Hub Argentine
The Hub was our Change for our Community partner in 2024. They are beginning a new project that we’ll be supporting with donations of equipment. The Neighbor’s Kitchen will serve as a vital resource for aspiring chefs, small food businesses, non-profit organizations and residents in the Argentine neighborhood. With access to an affordable, commercial-grade kitchen space, entrepreneurs can grow their businesses and provide high-quality food to the community. The facility will also offer nutrition education, cooking, canning and food safety classes, as well as free community meals.
Cross-lines Community Outreach
Cross-Lines Community Outreach was established in 1963 as a “place of hope” for those struggling with the hardships of poverty. The mission of Cross-Lines is to provide people in the Kansas City area affected by poverty with services and opportunities that encourage self-confidence, meet the needs of today, and provide tools for future self-sufficiency. Today, Cross-Lines plays a vital role in the human service ecosystem of Wyandotte County (WyCo), Kansas, providing direct aid services in two primary categories: Hunger Relief and Housing Stabilization.
2025 Change for our Community funds will be used to support the Cross-Lines Community Market program, increasing access to healthy, nutritious foods and decreasing the number of households in WyCo struggling with food insecurity and diet related diseases. The Community Market accomplishes these goals by prioritizing three different Market initiatives:
prioritizing access to healthy foods such as eggs, milk, cheese, and fresh produce for all Community Market shoppers. These items are made readily available on Market shelves.
providing free nutrition education classes once a week. Each class consists of a small nutrition education lesson, a healthy recipe demonstration, and additional access to healthy foods for all class participants.
collaborating with many WyCo partner agencies in both receiving and distributing rescued food from farmers and retailers; ensuring access to food is possible for all those in WyCo suffering from food insecurity.
Cross-Lines is our Change Partner in KCK for the year — round up to support their work, or donate directly!
We’ve been grateful to collaborate with so many wonderful organizations serving our neighbors in KCK.
Questions? Please reach out to us.