Helping Hands: Blue KC Families Begin Building DeLaSalle Learning Farm
Shovels began digging.
Soil started moving.
And about a dozen raised garden beds made from cedar found their destination.
Two days before New Year’s Day 2026, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) employees helped begin transforming an acre of land into a learning farm at DeLaSalle Education Center near 37th and Troost in Kansas City, Missouri.
“I think it’s great,” said Blue KC Operations Application Specialist Dolores Castro. “It’s important for people to be outside. This learning farm is going to bring people closer.”
Thanks to a partnership between Blue KC, behavioral and mental health nonprofit Cornerstones of Care and its vocational program Build Trybe, the learning farm will also aim to help reduce food insecurity, which is something Dolores faced as a child.
“I grew up on the Westside of Kansas City, MO, and we were a family on food stamps,” she said.
Dolores, who has worked at Blue KC for more than 20 years, brought her daughter with her to volunteer at the DeLaSalle Learning Farm.
“It’s important for my daughter to know how blessed she is now and how much volunteerism can make a difference.”
“It’s fun to do something for our community and build something that we know will last,” said Blue KC Community Relations and Investment Director Macaela Stephenson, who volunteered with her eight-year-old daughter.
It was also a family affair at the learning farm for Blue KC Business Process Consultant Chris Chartrand, who volunteered with his teenage daughter after loading up the raised garden beds on his truck and trailer earlier in the day at the Build Trybe Shop.
“Blue KC did us a big favor bringing Chris into this project,” Build Trybe Director Theo Bunch said. “Chris is worth 10 of me.”
Chris, who returned with his wife on New Year’s Day to finish installing the raised garden beds while using his tractor, is bringing his farming knowledge to the project. The former member of the Kansas Army National Guard lives on a 40-acre farm in the Sunflower State.
“I spent 21 years in the military and was always deployed to a desert,” said Chris. “When I got home, I wanted to experience life on a farm. We built everything from scratch, including growing our own fruit and veggies knowing it can feed an entire family. I think it’s important to teach the DeLaSalle students where food comes from.”
“Chris makes it entertaining to learn!” said DeLaSalle High School student Ji’Ziah Anderson. “He taught me how to use a circular saw and be confident.”
“The kids are eager to learn!” said Chris. “They are learning skills that they can use for anything in the future.”
Blue KC Chief Technology Officer Amber Mustard rolled up her sleeves to help the students on the DeLaSalle Learning Farm, including piling up a layer of straw on top of the soil in the garden beds, which will be used to grow healthy food in the spring.
“You get to see things from other perspectives, and lead by example,” said Amber. “Kids need good role models. I’ve known people who have lived with hunger. If there’s anything I can do to help with better health outcomes, I want to be a part of it.”
Plans for the multi-year learning farm project include the building of an orchard, duck pond, rabbit hutch, chicken coup and outdoor eatery.
“Being able to give back to our neighbors is one of the nicest things we can do,” said Ji’Ziah. “It makes for positive outcomes and your day brighter.”
“These kids might receive a carton of eggs down the road from this farm,” said Chris. “Everything we’re doing is for the betterment of our community. I see endless possibilities.”
“I know the orchard at the Tony Aguirre Community Center, which is located where I grew up on the Westside of Kansas City, MO, has produced tons of apples, so this farm can have that same effect,” said Dolores. “Considering rising food costs, it’s a joy knowing this farm will be shared with the surrounding neighborhood. I think it’s going to be amazing.”
