Kanbe’s Markets, in Partnership with Blue KC, Celebrates 100th Fresh Food Access Partner in Kansas City

Local Nonprofit Reaches a Milestone of Access to Fresh, Affordable Produce

KANSAS CITY, MO. (September 18, 2025) — Kanbe’s Markets announced the opening of the 100th participating location in its Fresh Food Access Partners program, located inside Food Express at 3740 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, Mo, thanks in part to local partners like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC). As one of Kanbe’s original partners, Blue KC funded the first pilot location for Kanbe’s Fresh Food Access Partners program in 2016 and recently funded their 100th location on Kansas City’s East Side.

As a cornerstone of Kanbe’s Markets’ mission to build more inclusive food systems in Kansas City, the Fresh Food Access Partners program places coolers and shelves filled with fresh, affordable produce inside gas stations and convenience stores, serving Kansas City communities with low access to traditional grocery stores.

The milestone store opens as the challenges of equitable food access grow, both locally and nationally. The recent closure of a Sun Fresh at 3110 Wabash Ave. has reduced the availability of fresh food in the immediate community. At the federal level, cuts to SNAP benefits and other funding reductions threaten the work of local food organizations and exacerbate the issue of hunger in Kansas City.

Kanbe’s Markets is strengthening a network of Fresh Food Access Partners across the city, making fresh fruits and vegetables available in the places where neighbors already shop. Together with these local partners like Blue KC, Kanbe’s Markets is building convenient, affordable access to fresh food right in the heart of each community. Kanbe’s Markets plans to announce further growth in conjunction with Hunger Action Month in September, addressing the need for greater food equity across the Kansas City metro area.

“Families in our community face difficult decisions surrounding food access every day, and unfortunately, the challenges continue to grow,” said Max Kaniger, Founder & CEO of Kanbe’s Markets. “The opening of our 100th store represents a milestone in making healthy, fresh produce a realistic choice without being too expensive or time-consuming.”

Fresh Food Access Partnerships are intentionally established in neighborhoods with limited access to other food options. Kanbe’s Markets works in partnership with leading Kansas City organizations, including Blue KC, to identify additional locations guided by data and community need.

“Congratulations to Kanbe’s Markets on reaching 100 stores,” said Dr. Ayo Ajaiyeoba, Department Vice President, Medical Director, Population Health, Blue KC. “Food is at the core of our health. Without access to nutritious foods, families in our region can’t thrive. Blue KC is proud to be a long-time partner with Kanbe’s Markets to help reduce food insecurity and increase access to healthier foods in underserved areas in Kansas City.”

Nearly half of Americans currently say grocery costs are a major source of stress, and 1.2 million KC-area residents live more than one-half mile from fresh food. Kanbe’s offers a unique solution to these challenges: a produce consignment program that stocks local, independent stores with high-quality fruits and vegetables. This model ensures nearby residents can find fresh, healthy options right in their own communities without traveling far or paying more. For more information about Kanbe’s Markets, visit kanbesmarkets.org.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, the largest not-for-profit health insurer in Missouri and the only not-for-profit commercial health insurer in Kansas City, has been part of the Kansas City community since 1938. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City provides health coverage services to more than one million residents in the greater Kansas City area, including Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas and 30 counties in Northwest Missouri. Our mission: to provide affordable access to healthcare and to improve the health of our members. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information on the company, visit its website at BlueKC.com.