From the Capitol Steps to the Committee Room: A Story of Advocacy in Action
March 5th, 2026: The day started early, with coffee in hand and notes tucked into folders—talking points shaped by lived experience, long drives, and deep commitment to Kansas communities.
Across the State Capitol, members of the Kansas Food Action Network gathered: farmers, small business owners, council and coalition leaders, and even a former legislator from across the state. Some had done this before. For others, it was their first time stepping into the halls where policy decisions are made.
But everyone came with the same purpose: to be heard.
Advocacy Day isn’t about polished speeches or perfect policy language. It’s about connection. Sharing stories of families navigating food access. Of producers working to sustain their land and livelihoods. Of communities building solutions that deserve recognition and support.
In meeting after meeting, those stories were shared directly with legislators—grounding policy conversations in real experiences and real impact.
And people were listening.
Advocacy Day was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities come together to share their stories, build relationships, and advocate for a stronger food system in Kansas.
KFAN members gather on the State Capitol steps, united and ready to meet with legislators to advocate for stronger food systems.
This year, members of the Kansas Food Action Network gathered at the State Capitol to meet with legislators, elevate local priorities, and highlight the real impacts of food and farm policy across our state. From farmers and food access advocates to community leaders and coalition members, participants showed up ready to ensure that Kansas policymakers hear directly from the people most connected to our food system.
In February, Chairwoman Susan Estes asked KFAN to curate a panel to speak before the Kansas House Education Committee for an informational hearing on Farm to Plate programming. Contrary to popular belief, the largest restaurant chain in America is not Starbucks, Subway, or McDonald’s; it is our public school system. More than 7 billion meals are served annually in U.S. public schools. In Kansas, schools serve approximately 87.5 million meals each year. The scale and influence of school meals on children, families, and communities cannot be overstated.
We were proud to leverage our network to bring attention to the largest food system in our state and share stories of how community leaders are leveraging it to better serve Kansas students, producers, and local economies. Our immense gratitude goes out to Kelly Chaney (KSDE), Darren Schroeder (Superintendant, USD 364), Casey Worden (Director of Child Nutrition, USD 445), and Thomas Smith (Chief Business Officer, KC Food Hub) for taking time out of their immensely busy schedules to speak with the House Committee on Education.
Chairwoman Estes’ invitation also highlights growing awareness of the important role played by members of the Kansas Food Action Network: community voices are foundational to shaping policy. By sharing what Farm to Plate looks like on the ground, KFAN members helped ensure that the conversation was rooted in real experiences. It’s a reminder that when Kansans are invited to the table, their stories don’t just inform policy—they help move it forward.
You can watch the informational hearing here:
House Committee Education March 5th, 2026. Agenda: https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b202...
But this work doesn’t stop in the committee room. Real change depends on continued voices, continued relationships, and continued advocacy. Join KFAN in building momentum—share your story, connect with your local food system leaders, and stay engaged with the policies shaping our communities. Because when more Kansans show up and speak out, we don’t just inform decisions—we help shape a stronger, more resilient food system for everyone.
Advocacy doesn’t end on Advocacy Day—connection matters, and everyone is invited to KFAN’s table. By joining the Kansas Food Action Network, you can turn your voice into action—connecting with fellow Kansans, sharing your experiences, and helping build policies that support farmers, expand food access, and strengthen local food systems. Together, we can create a stronger, healthier, and more equitable food system—join KFAN and be part of the change.
Everyone interested in Kansas food systems is welcome to join our statewide calls! Connect with others, hear updates, share ideas, and be part of shaping the future of local food in Kansas.
