Rachael McGinnis Millsap, director of KC Healthy Kids’ Farm to Institution initiatives, shares big news about the future of KC Food Circle™. For more than 30 years the KC Food Circle™ has connected our region’s eaters and farmers to grow a thriving local food community. Since November, I’ve been working with Brandi Schoen to bring certain Food Circle initiatives to our Farm to Institution programming.
In a recent letter to participating farmers, Brandi explained the reason behind the transition: The changing landscape of the local, organic movement in Kansas City over the years has meant growth and progress on so many levels. The programming and services of the Food Circle evolved over the years as well, offering incredible opportunities for farmers and eaters to connect! All these things happened because of the skills, creativity, and countless hours of commitment shared by many, many volunteers over the years. Sometimes progress means big change. The Food Circle is facing the reality that keeping up with the intensive, high quality service and programs delivered to its members over the past several years is no longer possible with a volunteer staff; the transition required to be able to pay staff was not practical at this time. KC Healthy Kids is honored to step into this role. Here are just a few ways our initiatives have built robust partnerships and collaborations to provide sustainable programming in the local food community:
Priorities for transitioning core Food Circle programs are to maintain the farmer directory, uphold the integrity of KC Food Circle™ pledges, and help farmers increase sales by leveraging our partnerships with area restaurants, schools and other institutions. Comments are closed.
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