Building Stronger Food Systems Through Connection and Collaboration

The Kansas Food Action Network believes lasting food systems change happens through relationships, shared learning, and collective action. Like many successful network-based organizations around the world, KFAN brings together people, organizations, and communities to strengthen Kansas’ food system through collaboration rather than working in isolation. KFAN supports food systems leaders by creating spaces to connect, learn, and take action together.

Food Systems

A food system includes everything involved in getting food from farms to communities — including growing, processing, distributing, purchasing, eating, and reducing waste. Food systems also include the policies, partnerships, and community structures that influence access to healthy, affordable, and culturally relevant food.

KFAN works to strengthen local and regional food systems across Kansas by supporting collaboration among:

  • Farmers and producers

  • Food policy councils

  • Community organizations

  • Public health leaders

  • Schools and institutions

  • Hunger relief organizations

  • Local governments

  • Residents and advocates

By connecting people across communities and sectors, KFAN helps reduce silos and build a stronger statewide food systems ecosystem.

KFAN creates practical, relationship-centered learning opportunities that help communities move from ideas to action. KFAN focuses on peer exchange, real-world problem solving, and shared leadership.

  • KFAN hosts regular statewide calls that bring together food systems leaders, community organizations, advocates, and practitioners to discuss emerging issues, share successes, and learn from one another.

    Topics often include:

    • Food access and nutrition

    • Local procurement

    • Community engagement

    • Policy and advocacy

    • Food policy council development

    • Grant and funding opportunities

    • Rural and urban food systems challenges

    Calls take place on the third Thursday of the month with the exception of the month of July. Register for monthly statewide calls here.

  • KFAN connects communities with subject matter experts and practical tools that support local food systems work. This includes:

    • Strategic planning support

    • Coalition and partnership development

    • Facilitation and convening

    • Community engagement strategies

    • Food systems mapping and assessment

    • Leadership development

    Reach out to us about your ideas for your community! We want to help you reach your goals!

  • KFAN supports food summits, regional gatherings, workshops, and collaborative planning sessions designed to strengthen local relationships and generate community-driven solutions.

    Check out our network calendar for upcoming events! You can also submit your event to be featured on our network calendar.

  • Through newsletters, webinars, and online resources, KFAN helps communities stay informed about policy updates, funding opportunities, best practices, and statewide initiatives.

    Sign up to recieve our newsletters to be in the know here.

KFAN operates as part of a broader ecosystem of organizations, coalitions, and leaders working toward healthier, more equitable food systems. This “network-of-networks” approach recognizes that meaningful systems change requires coordination across many groups and perspectives.

Rather than duplicating efforts, KFAN helps:

  • Connect existing initiatives

  • Amplify local successes

  • Encourage collaboration across regions

  • Identify shared priorities

  • Build long-term infrastructure for food systems work

What This Looks Like in Practice

  • Launching or strengthening food policy councils

  • Expanding local food access initiatives

  • Developing community-informed food strategies

  • Supporting local producers and markets

  • Improving coordination between organizations

  • Building leadership capacity within communities

  • Advancing equitable food systems policies

Kansas Food Action Network envisions a Kansas where communities are connected, informed, and empowered to build resilient food systems that support health, equity, economic opportunity, and long-term sustainability.

By investing in relationships, shared learning, and collaboration, KFAN helps communities move from isolated efforts to collective impact.