My Experience Volunteering at Kanbe’s Markets

When I first started working at Kanbe’s Markets, I thought it would just be some simple volunteering—packing boxes, organizing food, maybe helping out with deliveries. But it ended up being way more meaningful than I expected. It opened my eyes to how big of an issue food insecurity really is, especially right here in Kansas City.

Before Kanbe’s, I didn’t think much about where food comes from or how hard it can be for some people to get fresh produce. I just assumed everyone had access to a grocery store nearby. But a lot of neighborhoods in Kansas City are what’s called “food deserts,” which means people there don’t have easy access to healthy food. That’s where Kanbe’s steps in—they take good food that would’ve been thrown away and make sure it gets to corner stores in those neighborhoods.

While working there, I helped sort and pack boxes of fruits and vegetables that were going out to families who really needed them. It felt good to know that even a few hours of my time could help make someone’s day a little easier. I also got to see the bigger picture—how food waste and food insecurity are connected, and how organizations like Kanbe’s are working to solve both problems at once.

What really stuck with me was how much of a difference fresh food can make. It’s not just about nutrition—it’s about giving people the chance to make healthy choices and feel like they matter. That’s something I hadn’t really thought about before.

This experience taught me more than just how to sort foodt. It was educational, it was eye-opening, and it definitely changed my perspective. I realized that small actions, like volunteering for an hour once a week, can still be part of something really important. I’m glad I got the chance to be involved, and I know I’ll carry what I learned with me for a long time.