Community Food Systems Updates: 2026 Summits, Peer Networks, and World Cup Preparations

By Quinlan Carttar, Food Business Resource Navigator

The K-State Extension Community Food Systems team is looking ahead to a dynamic 2026, with expanded opportunities for food and farm businesses to learn, connect, and grow. From hands-on business intensives to peer learning networks and community-wide preparations for international visitors, several new initiatives are underway across Kansas.

Two Food Business Start-Up Summits Scheduled for 2026

Following the strong response to the inaugural Food Business Start-Up Summit in 2025, two Summits will be offered in 2026: June 9–10 in Hays and August 4–5 in Lawrence. These two-day working retreats are designed for early-stage food and farm businesses seeking focused time away from day-to-day operations to clarify goals, strengthen business models, and address real-world challenges.

Participants attend with up to two key partners and engage in structured work sessions alongside expert consultations in areas such as licensing, finance, production, and market readiness. The Summit model emphasizes practical, Kansas-specific guidance paired with peer-to-peer learning, helping entrepreneurs leave with concrete next steps and renewed confidence. Applications for both 2026 Summits will open on February 24 – stay tuned!

Peer Learning Groups for Farmers Market Managers and Shared Kitchen Operators

The Community Food Systems team is also launching two new peer learning networks in 2026: one for farmers market managers and one for shared-use kitchen operators. These groups are being developed in response to growing interest from local leaders seeking ongoing spaces to exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and share resources with peers in similar roles.

Each cohort will convene regularly in a facilitated, collaborative format focused on practical topics such as operations, partnerships, financial sustainability, and community impact. The networks are intended to complement existing technical assistance by strengthening connections among practitioners statewide. Interest forms are currently open, with cohorts expected to begin in April 2026. Interested in joining? Apply here for Farmers Market Managers, and here for Shared Kitchen Operators.

Lawrence Named Official World Cup Base Camp for Algeria

As of February 19, it was officially confirmed that Algeria’s national soccer team will use Lawrence as its World Cup base camp, bringing international visitors and global attention to the community this summer. In preparation, the Community Food Systems team is partnering with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry to develop an official guide to Halal food preparation for Kansas restaurants and food producers.

The effort is being led in collaboration with Dr. Liz Boyle, food safety specialist at K-State, and aims to provide clear, practical guidance to help local businesses confidently meet Halal dietary needs. The resource will support restaurants, caterers, grocers, and value-added producers seeking to welcome fans and visitors with culturally appropriate food options, while also strengthening long-term capacity for serving diverse communities across Kansas. To learn more about World Cup preparation in Lawrence, visit lawrence2026.com. To learn more about World Cup in the greater KC metro, visit kansascityfwc26.com.

Each of these efforts grows from the same goal: supporting the people and movements that make Kansas food systems thrive. By investing in local businesses, peer networks, and cultural readiness, the Extension Community Food Systems team is dedicated to helping the food system grow stronger – and sparkle on the world stage during the World Cup. This summer let’s show the world the radical hospitality that makes Kansas special.

For updates on Summit applications and peer group enrollment, visit the Kansas Local Food Systems website or contact the Community Food Systems team at kansaslocalfoods@ksu.edu -- and while you’re there, sign up for our newsletter!