The WellSky® Foundation Gifts $100,000 to Kanbe's Markets to Provide Nutritious, Affordable Produce for Vulnerable Populations
The WellSky Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to removing socioeconomic barriers to health and improving quality of life for vulnerable populations, announced it has donated $100,000 to Kanbe's Markets, an organization whose flagship program puts fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables in neighborhoods that need them most.
Today, more than 400,000 individuals living in the Kansas City metro area live in food deserts, defined as an area that lacks reasonable access to food. In many low-income areas of Kansas City, neighborhoods can be three miles or more from the nearest grocery store ? creating a significant barrier for community members. Since 2018, Kanbe's Markets has worked tirelessly to provide convenient access to fresh, nutritious food to more than 250,000 Kansas City food-insecure residents. Using an innovative delivery model, the organization partners with locally owned convenience stores, gas stations, and corner bodegas to sell affordable fruits and vegetables.
"At Kanbe's Markets, we know that food has the power to impact lives in a lasting way," shared Maxfield Kaniger, CEO of Kanbe's Markets. "With the WellSky Foundation's generous support, we can grow our partnerships across Kansas City and address food insecurity in a way that hasn't been done before. Empowering vulnerable populations with healthy, nutritious food options helps create stronger, healthier communities, and we're thrilled to expand across Kansas City and beyond."
With more than 43 Healthy Corner Store locations to date, Kanbe's Markets is making an undeniable impact in the community. Since 2022, the organization has redirected 825,798 pounds of produce, reducing waste by keeping fresh fruits and vegetables out of landfills and in the hands of those who need it most.
"The WellSky Foundation remains committed to building thriving communities that enable the lasting health of all individuals regardless of socioeconomic status," said Brett Fuller, executive director, WellSky Foundation. "In meeting with the Kanbe's Markets team, it become obvious they have a bold vision for creating an equitable future where food justice is a reality for all. The WellSky Foundation is proud to be a part of Kanbe's journey as they create healthier, more resilient, and more inclusive communities."
Since our inception in 2019, the WellSky Foundation has worked tirelessly to make lasting health and wellness accessible for all. With more than $1 million donated to more than 30 organizations in three years, the WellSky Foundation is making an undeniable impact in communities across the U.S. To learn more about its impact, visit WellSkyFoundation.org.
About WellSky® Foundation
The WellSky Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to improving quality of life for vulnerable populations by removing social barriers to health, recovery, and lasting wellness. The WellSky Foundation is an engine for change, financially supporting organizations that enable care and healing for people, regardless of their socioeconomic status. With a deep understanding of the social determinants of health, the WellSky Foundation partners with community organizations that are boldly addressing the top four socioeconomic factors affecting long-term wellness ? housing, food insecurity, transportation, and isolation. The WellSky Foundation is committed to funding and supporting organizations that protect the people and communities they serve and create better outcomes for people in need. Together with our community partners, the WellSky Foundation is breaking down social barriers to health and wellness to build thriving communities. To learn more about the WellSky Foundation, visit WellSkyFoundation.org.
About Kanbe's Markets
Kanbe's Markets began looking at the local food system in Kansas City, Missouri in 2016. The lack of grocery stores and limited transportation resources on the east side of the city's racially dividing line, Troost Avenue, has created a stark division of residents experiencing food insecurity. After identifying the hundreds of locally owned convenience stores, gas stations and corner bodegas with deep ties in the community, the first Healthy Corner Store location began to sell fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables in 2018. Today, Kanbe's provides fresh food access for over 250,000 residents ? and counting. For more information, please visit kanbesmarkets.org/.
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