With the holidays upon us, many Kansas Citians are gathering for work parties, family dinners and gift-giving. And while the holidays bring cheer, they can also bring financial stress, hunger and malnourishment for many of our neighbors, with approximately 350,000 people in Kansas City facing hunger – 100,000 of which are children.
According to the National Retail Federation, consumers will spend an average of $1,000 on holiday-related items between Thanksgiving and the New Year.
For a household that regularly struggles to make ends meet, this season of spending can lead to hard choices and forgoing the most basic necessities. Individuals and families may miss meals or opt for cheaper, less nutritious options to get by.
This holiday season, Blue KC and its employees are helping families and individuals in need through Well Stocked, Blue KC’s community impact initiative that’s focused on increasing access to nutritious food in underserved areas in Kansas City. Our Well Stocked program partners with a number of organizations in the Kansas City community to help families thrive – this holiday season and every day of the year. Join us and our partners in giving back:
Harvesters – The Community Food Network
Harvesters—The Community Food Network is a regional food bank providing food and related household products to emergency food pantries, community kitchens, homeless shelters, children’s homes and others. Now through January 6, you can join Harvesters’ Check-Out Hunger program by asking your grocery store cashier to add a donation to your bill by scanning a Check Out Hunger donation coupon. While shopping, you can also grab a few extra nonperishable items to add to the Harvesters barrels you’ll see in many grocery stores. Either way, you’ll be joining this community network’s largest annual fundraiser.
A Turning Point
Kansas City families in need can go to A Turning Point’s food pantry once a week and have a personal assistant help them pick out items. They can also receive donated clothing items twice a month. To get involved, check out their many volunteer openings.
Nourish KC
Nourish KC provides hot meals to all who come to the Kansas City Community Kitchen with no questions asked. Breakfast is available every weekday from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meals are served even on holidays and in inclement weather. Visit their website to see their volunteer opportunities this season.
To learn more about the ways you can get involved with Blue KC and our partners this season, visit BlueKC.com/WellStocked.