K-State’s Local Food Systems Program strengthens Kansas’ food resilience with USDA grants, scholarships and the first Local Food Summit

Nearly two years ago, Kansas State University received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create a partnership of organizations to support local and regional food systems across Kansas.

Amanda Lindahl, program coordinator at Kansas Local Food Systems, said, “When we think about food access, it’s a problem across the state. And the ability to access healthy, fresh, local food is a problem whether you live in a rural area or an urban area.”

K-State’s Local Food Systems program has since built partnerships with various organizations and supports initiatives such as the Kansas Local Foods Cooperative and the Heartland Regional Food Business Center.

In 2024, the program also funded 16 grants that allow individuals to develop and implement local food initiatives in their communities and receive compensation for doing so. Recent projects include a Second Chance Breakfast program at Thunder Ridge High School in Kensington, marketing and support for the Allen County Farmers Market, and updating an online grocery wholesaler and buyer directory in Bourbon County.

On 27 August^th and 28^May, The program will host the first Kansas Local Food Summit in Wichita. Registration is public and open online for anyone interested in learning more about or contributing to their local food system.

“We hope this is a place where people feel empowered, engaged and ready to participate in building a stronger local food system in their own community,” Lindahl said.