Release: Southeast Kansas Hunger Action Team identifies urgent need to address food insecurity
“As Southeast Kansans, we are motivated to collaborate and make real changes for our communities. We are focusing on centering people with lived experiences to best utilize our collective skills, knowledge and power to reduce barriers.”
Published 2022-02-03For Immediate Release:
Feb. 3, 2022
For more information, contact Paige Olson, polson@kansasappleseed.org, 620-363-4357
Southeast Kansas Hunger Action Team identifies urgent need to address food insecurity
Iola, KS — Comprised of community members from across Southeast Kansas, the Southeast Kansas Hunger Action Team met today, Feb. 3, to address barriers to food security in the region. The goal of the SEK Hunger Action team is to connect community experts on hunger—those who have lived experience and/or work in anti-hunger organizations—to work together to increase access to healthy and affordable food.
Members of the Southeast Kansas Hunger Action Team identified transportation and lack of awareness of available resources—such as food pantries, available transportation and meal services—as top issues that prevent Southeast Kansas families from thriving.
Following today’s meeting, members will reach out to service providers to collect data on resource awareness and utilization rates.
The SEK Hunger Action Team is convened by Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, a nonprofit advocacy organization working across Kansas to build a more thriving, inclusive and just state. According to a recent report by Kansas Appleseed, Southeast Kansas has the highest food insecurity rates of any region in the state with a projected one in six residents experiencing food insecurity.
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About Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice: Kansas Appleseed is a statewide organization that believes Kansans, working together, can build a state full of thriving, inclusive, and just communities. Kansas Appleseed conducts policy research and analysis and works with communities and partners to understand the root causes of problems and advocate for comprehensive solutions. For more information, visitwww.kansasappleseed.org