Kansas Food Action Network
The Kansas Food Action Network is a statewide network of local food, farm and policy councils that advocate for local, state and national policies for more equitable access to healthy, affordable food.
Kansas Food Action Network supports communities as they identify and address local food system priorities by offering support, resources and partnerships.
The Kansas Food Action Network was formerly known as the Kansas Alliance for Wellness.
Kansas Food Action Network supports communities as they identify and address local food system priorities by offering support, resources and partnerships.
The Kansas Food Action Network was formerly known as the Kansas Alliance for Wellness.
Meet Our Staff
Miranda Miller-Klugesherz
Senior Director, Kansas Food Action Network
Contact Miranda
As director of the Kansas Food Action Network, Miranda supports the grassroots leadership and food systems change efforts of Kansas’ 30+ local food, farm, and policy councils.
Miranda previously worked at The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, based in the Washington DC area, where she managed and directed significant community-based research initiatives in communities across the US and abroad. Miranda holds an MS in social policy from University College Cork-Ireland and an MA in communications and public engagement from Kansas State University. As Kansas’ first Mitchell Scholar, her research in Ireland focused on SNAP policy and local responses to food insecurity.
While at K-State, Miranda worked for the Center for Engagement and Community Development, chaired the Junction City Food Policy Council and co-founded Live Well Geary County. She draws upon these firsthand experiences as she supports Kansas councils in leading community-driven food systems change.
“I’m thrilled to be part of a team of brilliant people with the knowledge and drive necessary to create sustainable change at the local and state levels. I’m honored to put my experience with coalitions and local food systems to work here at KC Healthy Kids to create a healthier and more equitable Kansas."
Senior Director, Kansas Food Action Network
Contact Miranda
As director of the Kansas Food Action Network, Miranda supports the grassroots leadership and food systems change efforts of Kansas’ 30+ local food, farm, and policy councils.
Miranda previously worked at The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, based in the Washington DC area, where she managed and directed significant community-based research initiatives in communities across the US and abroad. Miranda holds an MS in social policy from University College Cork-Ireland and an MA in communications and public engagement from Kansas State University. As Kansas’ first Mitchell Scholar, her research in Ireland focused on SNAP policy and local responses to food insecurity.
While at K-State, Miranda worked for the Center for Engagement and Community Development, chaired the Junction City Food Policy Council and co-founded Live Well Geary County. She draws upon these firsthand experiences as she supports Kansas councils in leading community-driven food systems change.
“I’m thrilled to be part of a team of brilliant people with the knowledge and drive necessary to create sustainable change at the local and state levels. I’m honored to put my experience with coalitions and local food systems to work here at KC Healthy Kids to create a healthier and more equitable Kansas."
Lorrie Kessler
Director of Network Engagement, Kansas Food Action Network
Contact Lorrie
Lorrie Kessler joined KC Healthy Kids in February 2024 as the Director of Network Engagement for the Kansas Food Action Network. In this role, Lorrie is responsible for providing technical assistance to new and existing Food Policy Councils, facilitating networking between councils, assisting with, and coordinating the development and implementation of trainings, educational opportunities and best practices. Previously, Lorrie has worked as a public health coordinator with the Harvey County Health Department.
“I’ve spent 20+ years working to help community members develop strong coalitions to address the root causes of health inequities,” she said. As a result of her tenure with the health department, Lorrie was appointed to and continues to serve on multiple health-focused committees and coalitions, including Tobacco Free Kansas, the Harvey County Food and Farm Council and the Healthy Harvey Coalition.
She has been a member of Kansas Food Action Network since 2015. Lorrie holds degrees in History and Anthropology from Wichita State University, which has informed her work on population-based health. She is a recipient of the Kansas Prevention Community Leader Award. A central Kansas resident for most of her life, Lorrie is a life-long fiber artist who is a member of the Central Kansas Knitter’s Guild.
Director of Network Engagement, Kansas Food Action Network
Contact Lorrie
Lorrie Kessler joined KC Healthy Kids in February 2024 as the Director of Network Engagement for the Kansas Food Action Network. In this role, Lorrie is responsible for providing technical assistance to new and existing Food Policy Councils, facilitating networking between councils, assisting with, and coordinating the development and implementation of trainings, educational opportunities and best practices. Previously, Lorrie has worked as a public health coordinator with the Harvey County Health Department.
“I’ve spent 20+ years working to help community members develop strong coalitions to address the root causes of health inequities,” she said. As a result of her tenure with the health department, Lorrie was appointed to and continues to serve on multiple health-focused committees and coalitions, including Tobacco Free Kansas, the Harvey County Food and Farm Council and the Healthy Harvey Coalition.
She has been a member of Kansas Food Action Network since 2015. Lorrie holds degrees in History and Anthropology from Wichita State University, which has informed her work on population-based health. She is a recipient of the Kansas Prevention Community Leader Award. A central Kansas resident for most of her life, Lorrie is a life-long fiber artist who is a member of the Central Kansas Knitter’s Guild.
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Eileen Horn
Policy Lead, Kansas Food Action Network Contact Eileen As policy lead for the Kansas Food Action Network, Eileen supports Kansas food policy councils as they create and advocate for food policy solutions in their communities. Prior to joining KC Healthy Kids, she served two terms in the Kansas State Legislature, which included assignments on the Agriculture, Health, and Rural Revitalization Committees. Previously, Eileen worked for the City of Lawrence, Kansas where she founded the Douglas County Food Policy Council. Under her leadership, the Council established a regional food hub and the first SNAP matching program in Kansas. She also provides services to a national consulting firm, working with local governments, nonprofits, and local food policy councils across the country to create strategic food system plans, secure funding, and implement inspiring projects. Eileen holds an M.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Vermont, and a B.S. in Biology. |
Ryan Bowersox
Communications Specialist, Kansas Food Action Network
Contact Ryan
As communications specialist, Ryan provides creative collateral and strategy for Kansas Food Action Network and its initiatives. With a deep understanding of effective messaging and engagement strategies, Ryan has successfully contributed to numerous initiatives aimed at driving social change and community empowerment. Their expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives and utilizing diverse communication channels to mobilize support and amplify voices.
Previously, Ryan was the Outreach and Marketing Director of Just Food, The food bank of Douglas County. Witnessing first hand how diverse communication and media strategies were crucial during the COVID19 pandemic. Notably, Ryan also served as Vice Chair for the Douglas County Food Policy Council, playing a pivotal role in advocating for sustainable and equitable local food systems. With a dedication to fostering meaningful connections and driving impactful change.
Communications Specialist, Kansas Food Action Network
Contact Ryan
As communications specialist, Ryan provides creative collateral and strategy for Kansas Food Action Network and its initiatives. With a deep understanding of effective messaging and engagement strategies, Ryan has successfully contributed to numerous initiatives aimed at driving social change and community empowerment. Their expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives and utilizing diverse communication channels to mobilize support and amplify voices.
Previously, Ryan was the Outreach and Marketing Director of Just Food, The food bank of Douglas County. Witnessing first hand how diverse communication and media strategies were crucial during the COVID19 pandemic. Notably, Ryan also served as Vice Chair for the Douglas County Food Policy Council, playing a pivotal role in advocating for sustainable and equitable local food systems. With a dedication to fostering meaningful connections and driving impactful change.
Kansas Food Action Network Councils
Explore local food policy councils in Kansas using this interactive map.
Map updated 10/23/2023
Tools and Resources for Councils
- Food Council Annual Report Template
- Hunger Action Month Proclamation Template
- Kansas Good Food Funding Guide
- Kansas Open Meetings Act Guidelines for Food Councils
- SNAP Matters: Storycorps captures Kansas stories
- Operating Farmers Markets in Kansas
- Season Extension Activities in Kansas: Legal and Local Policy Options
- Kansas Rural Center helps farmers and ranchers implement alternative practices, enhance natural resources, improve their livelihoods and support their rural communities.
- Public Health Law Center provides legal technical assistance for the Kansas Health Foundation, its grantees and partners.
