At YMCAs across the Kansas City Metro, impact goes far beyond fitness. Our branches have become gathering places where neighbors connect, volunteers serve, and families find hope. Through a powerful partnership with Harvesters—The Community Food Network—the YMCA is a vital hub in the fight against food insecurity, feeding thousands of families every month.
On a recent episode of The Movement podcast, YMCA President and CEO Mark Hulet sat down with Elizabeth Keever, Chief Resource Officer at Harvesters, and longtime YMCA volunteer and donor Jim Hawkins to explore the partnership and the lives it touches.
Elizabeth: “This pantry at Providence started in 2022, and already has served over 350,000 pounds of food have been distributed,” she shared, noting that partnerships like these rely on trusted community connections.
For Jim, volunteering at the pantry has become a way of life. A YMCA Spirit of Service volunteer award recipient, donor, and daily presence at Providence YMCA/Ball Family Center, he described the joy of building relationships with families. “The shoppers that come in every time we’re open—they become friends,” Jim reflected.
The need is urgent. Today, 1 in 7 people in our region face food insecurity, and in Wyandotte County, the rate is even higher—about 16%. For children, it’s 1 in 6.
Rising food prices, housing challenges, and transportation costs mean families are struggling more than ever.
But together, the YMCA and Harvesters are bringing hope. Volunteers, donors, and community partners are making sure no neighbor is turned away. As Elizabeth put it: “Together, we’re not just feeding families—we’re nourishing dignity and community”
Get Involved - Discover all of our food program locations and learn more at KansasCityYMCA.org/Food.
🎧 Listen to or watch the full podcast episode of The Movement to discover more stories of impact and discover how you can join us in the fight against hunger, available now:
