The Kansas Food Policy Council

Mission and Vision

The Kansas Food Policy Council (KSFPC) is a statewide coalition committed to coordination, education and action to strengthen our state’s food system. We envision a healthy, accessible, resilient, and diversified food system for all Kansans.

Background

The initiation of the KSFPC was funded through the USDA Regional Food Systems Partnership Grant awarded to Kansas State University and sub awarded to the Kansas Food Action Network. In June of 2024, the Kansas Food Action Network convened the KSFPC formation committee including 19 representatives from across all sectors of the food system. Since that time, the KS FPC has been focused on establishing the Council and creating Operating Guidelines to shape their work together.

The council will officially launch July 1, 2025. The Kansas Food Action Network will provide ongoing administrative support for the KSFPC.

Formation Committee Voting Members:

  • Scott Thellman, President, Specialty Crop Growers Association

  • Claudia Hissong, State Affairs Manager, Kansas Farm Bureau

  • Nick Levendofsky, Executive Director, Kansas Farmers Union

  • JohnElla Holmes, Director, Kansas Black Farmers Association

  • Thomas Smith, Director of Operations, KC Food Hub

  • Matt Burchett, VP of Strategic Development, Thrive Restaurant Group

  • Rick McNary, Founder, Shop Kansas farms

  • Karen Seibert, Advocacy and Public Policy Advisor, Harvesters

  • Haley Kottler, Thriving and Integrated Voter Engagement Director, Kansas Appleseed

  • Tom Buller, Executive Director, Kansas Rural Center

  • Drew Wilburne, Director of Civic Life and Policy, Kansas Health Foundation

Formation Committee Advisory (non-voting) Members:

  • Julie Henry, Director of Nutrition and Wellness, USD 497

  • Rial Carver, Program Leader, KSU Rural Grocery Initiative

  • Michelle DeHaven, Program Manager, Environmental Finance Center at Wichita State University

  • Courtney Koenig, Program Manager, Kansas Department of Health & Environment

  • Sarah van Straaten, Policy Coordination Assistant Director, Department for Children & Families

  • Barb Depew, Farm to Plate Director, Kansas Department of Education

  • Joshua McGinn, Deputy Secretary, Kansas Department of Agriculture

  • Rebecca McMahon, Local Food System Program Administrator, KSU Research & Extension

*The Kansas Food Policy Council has both voting and non-voting members.  Non-voting advisory members include state agency staff and others whose expertise is important to inform state policy, but who cannot officially recommend policy changes.  Voting members of the KS FPC are able to vote to recommend state policy changes.