To address food insecurity, the North Kansas City YMCA opened a new community food pantry. The pantry focuses on providing healthy foods from a kiosk near the entrance of the Y.
The pantry opened April 24, and it's the first pantry at a Y in greater Kansas City. It's made possible thanks to presenting sponsor Humana, and food partner Harvesters, which already has provided 1,200 pounds of food the first month and nearly 2,000 pounds of food the second month.
In just three weeks, 1,000 pounds of food was distributed to benefit more than 250 families. The response speaks to a growing need in the community and how the Y is filling the gap.
One in eight people in the greater Kansas City region faces food insecurity, unsure of where their next meal will come from or whether they will have enough food for their household. Of those at risk for hunger, 40 percent are likely to be ineligible for federal nutrition programs such as SNAP (food stamps), WIC, or free and reduced-price school meals.
The pantry is open to anyone in the community in need of food. Community volunteers staff the pantry to assist visitors. The Y also accepts donations of unopened, non-perishable food items for Harvesters at the North Kansas City location.
The pantry offers fresh fruits and vegetables, plus other items that will vary from time to time and will include items such as grains, whole wheat pastas, beans, healthy drinks (including almond milk and 100% juices), healthy snacks (such as granola, energy bars and nuts), and healthy condiments (such as olive oil mayonnaise).
In addition to food, the North Kansas City Y also partners with Natural Grocers to offer hygiene products such as shampoo and deodorant, which are in high need for low-income individuals.
The pantry is open the following times:
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday - 5-7 p.m.
- Tuesday/Thursday - 8- 9 a.m.
- Saturday - 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
For more information, call the North Kansas City YMCA at 816.300.0531.
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