An Outsider’s Perspective: Stories of the Plus 1

I had the great fortune of joining the members of the Kansas Food

Secure Communities on their recent trip to Washington D.C. While I spent

the first two days of the conference exploring the sights and attractions of

our nation’s capital, I still had the pleasure of getting to know the local

advocates. I saw first-hand just how passionate they are about their

Kansas communities and their unwavering commitment to food security.

The most memorable day of this trip was Tuesday, May 6 th , Advocacy

Day. I must share my appreciation to the office staff of Representative

Estes, Senator Marshall, and Senator Moran for taking time out of their day

to hear from us and share their policy initiatives and perspectives. While I

can only speak for those three offices, I do believe that the advocates

successfully conveyed their message and admirably represented their

communities. We concluded our day in Senator Moran’s office for what I

would describe as a masterclass in food security advocacy. I was sitting

around a table with a group of highly dedicated, knowledgeable, and

compassionate individuals. They knew their local statistics by heart, they

had the lived experience and impactful stories that not only conveyed the

numbers, but why those numbers matter.

Harvey, Shawnee, Lyons, Seward, Colby, and Cowley County are

unbelievably fortunate to have these dedicated leaders going to bat for

them on Capitol Hill and implementing life-changing programs like Food is

Medicine and Food Policy Councils in their communities. Their work is not

just admirable—it’s essential. These advocates are the bridge between

policy and people, ensuring no Kansan is left behind when it comes to

access to nutritious food.

As I reflect on this experience, I feel a deep sense of pride and

gratitude. Pride in the strength and spirit of our Kansas communities, and

gratitude for the advocates who brought those voices to Washington. Their

passion was clear, their stories powerful, and their impact undeniable. I left

D.C. encouraged, not just by what was said, but by who said it, and hopeful

that our elected officials will carry those conversations forward in

meaningful ways by backing the programs and people working every day to

support sustainable food networks.

- Elijah Redington