Solutions

View from behind. A farmer walks through a wheat field holding the hands of two toddlers on each side.

Together, We’re Building a Hunger-Free Future

Kansas is a state that feeds the nation. Our agricultural heritage, our commitment to community, and our deep-rooted values of resilience and generosity make us uniquely positioned to lead the fight against hunger. And yet, one in eight Kansans face hunger, a troubling reality that stands in stark contrast to our potential.

At Hunger Free Kansas, we’re working with organizations from across Kansas to develop solutions and a unified effort that will one day end food insecurity in the state and lead to a truly hunger-free Kansas. We know that no one sector, organization or institution can end hunger alone but together, we can and we will.

A Collective Blueprint

The Kansas Health Foundation brought together policymakers, advocates, funders, researchers, farmers and more for the FuseKS convening focused on tackling food insecurity, hunger and improving overall health in our state. Along with extensive analysis, listening sessions and public comments, more than 100 experts at the event were able to refine anti-hunger strategies and create a blueprint for the future.

Blueprint Summary

Blueprint for a Hunger Free Kansas: Goals and Strategies

A yellow plate, knife and fork icon with the number 1 in the middle. Improve Data
and Technology Strategies
A blue plate, knife and fork icon with the number 2 in the middle. Enhance Service
Quality and Access Strategies
An orange plate, spoon and fork icon with the number 3 in the middle. Support Target
Populations Strategies

Blueprint for a Hunger Free Kansas: Goals and Strategies

A yellow plate, knife and fork icon with the number 1 in the middle.

Goal: Improve Data
and Technology

Strategy 1: Food System Mapping

Develop a statewide, interactive mapping system that layers data with geographic locations to easily generate customized visualizations of the food system and provide users with a more detailed, nuanced analysis of the strengths and challenges within.

Strategy 2: Integrated Data

Collaborate with local and state government to establish interagency data-sharing agreements for safely and securely merging data sets, enabling users to better understand service utilization, conduct thorough and efficient eligibility verification, minimize errors and fraud, and gain new insights on program effectiveness.

Strategy 2: Web-Based Applications

Assist state agencies with modernizing web-based applications to minimize waste, reduce processing time, and improve user experience.

A blue plate, knife and fork icon with the number 2 in the middle.

Goal: Enhance Service
Quality and Access

Strategy 4: Local Food Planning

Partner with communities to integrate food access into existing local planning efforts, ensure local food security experts are utilized and informing the planning, and provide support in developing the best process and structure to meet community needs.

Strategy 5: Resource & Referral Tool

Populate the state’s resource and referral tool, Unite Kansas, with all food access points and food-related service providers to improve coordination with service providers on the platform and reduce burden on the individuals they serve.

Strategy 6: Food is Medicine

Develop Kansas’ model for implementing and scaling Food is Medicine to treat and prevent the progression of chronic, diet-related disease.

Strategy 7: Nutrition & Meal Sites

Build on existing technical assistance offerings for food pantries and other entities within the charitable food system to identify ongoing needs and implement best practices.

An orange plate, spoon and fork icon with the number 3 in the middle.

Goal: Support Target
Populations

Strategy 8: College Students

Create a grant program for colleges and universities to provide enhanced supports to both traditional and nontraditional students experiencing food insecurity.

Strategy 9: Producers, Processors & Grocers

Establish regional grocery hubs across Kansas that enable existing and new grocers to address issues with purchasing and distribution, and equip producers and processors with resources needed to sell and distribute locally.

Strategy 10: Rural Communities

Launch a stabilization grant program for rural grocers at risk of closure to purchase equipment, establish new lines of business, and implement store-retention and/or succession plans.

Blueprint Summary

Beyond the Blueprint

Making progress on an issue as difficult and complex as food insecurity is no easy task. Organizations across the state advocate to fund, protect and enhance policies to support Kansans facing hunger and food insecurity.

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