According to new studies by Impact 100 partner Harvesters, an alarming one in five children in the Kansas City area lacks consistent access to food.
The newly released data show that 20% of children (more than 128,000 kids in Harvesters’ 27-county service area) are food insecure, a 17% increase from the previous year’s report.
Hunger is a reality for thousands of Kansas City children who don’t know where their next meal will come from, which can cause them to struggle in their schoolwork because they are not receiving proper nutrition. Thankfully, local organizations are stepping up to provide food, hope, and community support to children and students. This Hunger Action Month, we want to spotlight five organizations working to make sure our area’s youngest learners have access to the food and nutrition they need to thrive:
Feed Northland Kids
Feed Northland Kids recognizes that hungry school-aged children often signal a broader family need, and that healthy meals shouldn’t be a luxury for any household in our community. It provides consistent access to wholesome, everyday food for families with school-aged children in Clay and Platte Counties, including Community Food Kits that serve entire families and include fresh produce, frozen meats, and non-perishable staples. Additionally, Feed Northland Kids stocks School Pantries with ready-to-eat food, snacks, and items to take home for family meals.
Greater Kansas City LINC
Greater Kansas City LINC provides a safe, fun, and caring environment that supports children’s social, emotional, and physical development. LINC offers before- and after-school programs, fun educational activities, and comprehensive family support, including food assistance, utility support, and legal referrals. In 2025, 6,000+ children participated in LINC before- and after-school programs, and 3 million+ pounds of food were distributed from LINC community and school sites. Additionally, LINC provides fresh fruit, vegetables, and protein items at a weekly food distribution event.
Harvesters
Harvesters provides food and household products to more than 900 nonprofit agencies, including emergency food pantries, community kitchens, homeless shelters, children’s homes, and others. Harvesters’ after-school, summer, and weekend feeding programs for children fill an important gap, relieving the burden and anxiety a family may face when they aren’t sure where their next meal may come from. The BackSnack program provides a weekly backpack filled with nutritious, child-friendly food for schoolchildren at elementary and middle schools to take home over the weekend. Additionally, the School Pantry Program is a food pantry conveniently located on-site at schools. The school pantries complement school breakfast and lunch programs, providing additional access to food for children and their families after the school day has ended.
Mimi’s Pantry
Mimi’s Pantry helps our neighbors by providing the food they need and focusing on healthy, fresh options. Its market-style pantry is filled with fresh produce, dairy products, meats, and much more. Its second location, Mimi’s Pantry 4 Kids, offers a supplemental pantry full of snacks, hygiene products, and school supplies, as well as educational and enrichment opportunities.
Pete’s Garden
Pete’s Garden rescues unserved prepared food and repackages it as take-home meals, reducing waste while feeding families. Pete’s Garden delivers meals year-round, ensuring consistent support. Its impact includes 1,000 families served weekly. Made possible by dedicated partners, donors, and volunteers, Pete’s Garden delivers meals 52 weeks a year, ensuring consistent support for families who need it most.
How you can help
Each of these organizations, among many others, plays a vital role in helping children and families access the nutrition and dignity they deserve.
You can join the fight against hunger by donating to support these organizations and volunteering your time to help pack, serve, and distribute food. Every meal makes a difference. Together, we can create a Kansas City where no one has to wonder where their next meal will come from.