Community Food Systems Updates

Quinlan C., Food Systems Resource Navigator

In my spring newsletter, I shared a preview of several Community Food Systems activities taking shape for the year ahead. Now, with summer winding down, it’s a good time to share how those plans have come to life — from welcoming food entrepreneurs from across Kansas to Lawrence, to launching new statewide peer networks.

Lawrence hosts second annual Food Business Startup Summit

For the second year in a row, Lawrence served as the host of the Kansas Food Business Startup Summit, bringing food and farm entrepreneurs from across the state to Douglas County for two days of focused business development, relationship-building and problem-solving.

This year, 13 businesses representing 10 Kansas counties participated. While a second Summit planned for Hays did not reach the minimum registration needed to move forward, the Lawrence Summit was a tremendous success.

Participants spent two days working with dedicated facilitators to identify goals, tackle challenges and map out next steps for their businesses. A highlight was a series of one-on-one consultations with “key informants” — experts from across Kansas who offered guidance in areas including food safety and licensing, financing, marketing, insurance, retail readiness, business planning, grants and more.

The goal is not simply to provide information, but to help entrepreneurs navigate Kansas’ extensive network of resources and leave with relationships they can continue to draw on. As one participant put it during the event: “This is moving mountains for me.”

Just as valuable were the connections participants made with one another. The Summit creates an environment where entrepreneurs can share experiences, learn from their peers and build a statewide network — right here in Lawrence.

New peer networks continue to grow

Two statewide peer groups previewed in my spring update are now officially underway!

The Shared Kitchen Operator Peer Group launched in June and currently includes about a dozen operators, meeting on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Conversations have explored revenue models, standard operating procedures, and other member-selected topics. The group has also welcomed the Kansas Department of Agriculture to discuss food safety regulations for shared kitchens and how operators can better support their tenant businesses through inspection and licensing.

The Farmers Market Peer Group launched in May and has already grown to nearly 50 members, meeting on the third Tuesday of each month. Early discussions have included maintaining momentum with vendors and customers and marketing farmers markets effectively.

Both groups are shaped by the needs and interests of their members, and it’s not too late to join! They are open to shared kitchen operators and farmers' market managers, respectively, from across Kansas.

Hot off the press: Kansas Food First, issue 4

The latest issue of Kansas Food First magazine is now available! This statewide publication from the Community Food Systems team highlights the people, projects and partnerships strengthening Kansas’ local food system — along with resources and ideas that communities, producers and food businesses can put to work.

Check out the latest issue and see what’s happening in local food systems across Kansas!