Learn more about gardening and food. To learn how to start a garden or interested in expanding your knowledge of food, these groups offer classes and chances to network, Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City and Wyandotte and Johnson County Master Gardener programs in Kansas. To learn more about food, the Master Food Volunteer program, is offered in Kansas City, Wyandotte County, and Johnson County. The community group Food Not Lawns KC also offers learning opportunities and chance to meet others with similar interests.

Learn how to preserve your own fruits and veggies. Resources are available through University of Missouri Extension offices or ask a farmer or relative if they have any experience preserving food and would be willing to teach you. Although canning fruits and veggies is not difficult, it can be time-consuming, gather a group of friends and family to share the fun and harvest.

Shop at Farmers’ Markets. Talk to the farmer for cooking and growing tips. It is a great way to meet people who care about the local food system while supporting your local farmers! Click here to find a farmers market near you.

Start or join a community garden. A community garden is a great way to get to know neighbors and share gardening techniques. It is also a good alternative for those that have yards that are too shady to grow food or have no yard at all. To learn more, go to the Kansas City Community Gardens website or call them at 816-931-3877.

Join a local food buying club. The Squash Blossom Food Buying Club offers Kansas City residents an outlet to buy local food during the winter months. You can enjoy delicious (and local) spinach, various types of squash, sweet potatoes, and other tasty surprises. Sign up at www.squashblossomkc.org to receive email updates about what is available and how and where to order.

Host a potluck featuring local food. Easy and fun – make it a monthly event – someone new hosts each month. A great venue for talking about what is going in the garden and your latest favorite find at the farmers market. Challenge each other to use as much local food products as possible in each dish.

Join a CSA – Community Supported Agriculture. Buy a food share from a farmer in the winter and come spring you will have a weekly bounty that will last until fall. There is a weekly pick-up spot for all the best produce the season has to offer. It’s a great way to get your fresh veggies (sometimes meat and cheese too) and get a better understanding of what grows when throughout the season. Go to this website to find farms that offer CSAs near you.

Volunteer at a local farm. Talk to the farmers at the farmers’ market about volunteering on their farm. Not only will be helping the farmer, but it will be a great opportunity to learn various farming techniques – sounds like a great opportunity!