United Way of Greater Kansas City is pleased to announce a major investment to support local food pantries across our community. Thanks to support from donors, grants totaling over $450,000 will support a total of 35 nonprofit organizations on the front lines of fighting food insecurity in Greater Kansas City, an issue impacting 1 in every 10 people across the bi-state region.
“As a long-time supporter of area food pantries, United Way understands that access to food provides a critical foundation for our pillars of health, education, and financial stability. United Way has partnered with dozens of pantries across the metropolitan areas to meet the basic needs of people experiencing hunger. This funding represents a continuation of that commitment,” said Todd Jordan, PhD, vice president of community impact and executive director of 211 at UWGKC.
In the face of ongoing inflation and high grocery prices, Harvesters–The Community Food Network, a United Way Impact 100 Organization, shares the need for food assistance remains about 20% higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic began three years ago. In addition, the impact of higher food costs coupled with high demand have made it tougher to keep pantry shelves stocked.
This funding is critical to ensuring neighbors in need can continue to access fresh meats, produce and culturally appropriate foods at pantries in their communities.
A new study from the Urban Institute finds 25-percent of American households are food insecure. Increased grocery costs have driven many to need charitable food donations, many for the first time in their lives. Communities of color are disproportionately impacted. This funding is critical to ensuring neighbors in need can continue to access fresh meats, produce, and culturally appropriate foods at pantries in their communities.
