Food Deserts in Kansas City: The Problem and the People Working to Fix It

In a city known for its barbecue and vibrant food culture, it may come as a surprise that tens of thousands of Kansas City residents struggle to access something as basic as fresh fruits and vegetables. The problem isn’t always about money—it’s about proximity. Across Kansas City, entire neighborhoods exist in what experts call food deserts: areas where healthy, affordable food is hard to come by.

The USDA defines a food desert as a low-income area where a significant number of residents live more than a mile from a grocery store (or more than 10 miles in rural areas). In Kansas City, food deserts are heavily concentrated in historically underserved neighborhoods east of Troost Avenue and in parts of Wyandotte County. According to local data, more than 44,000 Kansas Citians live in areas with limited access to fresh food. Many of them are families, seniors, or people without reliable transportation.

The impact of food deserts goes beyond diet. Research shows a strong link between limited food access and poor health outcomes, including higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It’s a daily reality for many residents, who often rely on corner stores or fast food restaurants not by choice, but because those are the only options within reach.

But across the city, organizations, community leaders, and local businesses are working to change that.

One standout example is Kanbe’s Markets, a Kansas City nonprofit focused on reimagining how fresh food moves through the community. Instead of building new grocery stores—which can take years and millions of dollars—Kanbe’s brings produce directly into existing corner stores. They install fridges, deliver food five days a week, and allow store owners to sell the produce on consignment. This model not only increases access, but also invests in small business owners already embedded in the neighborhoods they serve.

The Prospect Community Market, another local initiative, creates space for farmers, food entrepreneurs, and neighborhood residents to gather, share, and shop. Pop-up markets and mobile food trucks are becoming more common in underserved areas, often supported by community health organizations like Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center and Children’s Mercy.

Policy change is also part of the solution. Advocates are pushing for local investment in food infrastructure, incentives for grocery stores to open in underserved areas, and better funding for SNAP (food stamp) programs that support both consumers and local farmers.