FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kanbe’s Markets Celebrates 100th Fresh Food Access Partner in Kansas City
Local nonprofit reaches a milestone of access to fresh, affordable produce
KANSAS CITY, MO. (Aug. 19, 2025) – Kanbe’s Markets announced today the opening of the 100th participating location in its Fresh Food Access Partners program, located inside Food Express at 3740 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. A cornerstone of Kanbe’s Markets’ mission to build more inclusive food systems in Kansas City, the Fresh Food Access program places coolers and shelves filled with fresh, affordable produce inside gas stations and convenience stores, serving Kansas City communities with low access to traditional grocery stores.
The milestone store opens as the challenges of equitable food access grow, both locally and nationally. The recent closure of a Sun Fresh at 3110 Wabash Ave. has reduced the availability of fresh food in the immediate community. At the federal level, cuts to SNAP benefits and other funding reductions threaten the work of local food organizations and exacerbate the issue of hunger in Kansas City.
We are strengthening a network of Fresh Food Access Partners across the city, making fresh fruits and vegetables available in the places where neighbors already shop. Together with these local partners, we’re building convenient, affordable access to fresh food right in the heart of each community. Kanbe’s Markets plans to announce further growth in conjunction with Hunger Action Month in September, addressing the need for greater food equity across the Kansas City metro area.
“Families in our community face difficult decisions surrounding food access every day, and unfortunately, the challenges continue to grow,” said Max Kaniger, Founder & CEO of Kanbe’s Markets. “The opening of our 100th store represents a milestone in making healthy, fresh produce a realistic choice without being too expensive or time-consuming.”
Fresh Food Access Partnerships are intentionally established in neighborhoods with limited access to other food options. Kanbe’s Markets works in partnership with leading Kansas City organizations, including Blue KC, to identify additional locations guided by data and community need.
“Congratulations to Kanbe’s Markets on reaching 100 stores,” said Dr. Ayo Ajaiyeoba, Department Vice President, Medical Director, Population Health, Blue KC. “Food is at the core of our health. Without access to nutritious foods, families in our region can’t thrive. Blue KC is proud to be a long-time partner with Kanbe’s Markets to help reduce food insecurity and increase access to healthier foods in underserved areas in Kansas City.”
Kanbe’s Fresh Food Access program delivers fresh, affordable produce to small retailers in neighborhoods with low access to fresh food. At the same time, these efforts prevent more than one million pounds of food from ending up in landfills each year.
Nearly half of Americans currently say grocery costs are a major source of stress and 1.2 million KC-area residents live more than one-half mile from fresh food. Kanbe’s offers a unique solution to these challenges: a produce consignment program that stocks local, independent stores with high-quality fruits and vegetables. This model ensures nearby residents can find fresh, healthy options right in their own communities without traveling far or paying more.
About Kanbe’s Markets
Kanbe’s Markets is a nonprofit organization dually focused on eliminating food waste while creating affordable, fresh food access in Kansas City. 400,000 Kansas Citians face food insecurity yet 40 percent of the U.S. food supply ends up in landfills each year. By leveraging existing gaps of the local food economy, Kanbe’s works with local farmers and partners, regional grocery stores, and national produce wholesalers to sort and distribute food—which would have otherwise ended up going unused—providing access to fresh, affordable and healthy foods in neighborhoods where it is out of reach. By sorting and redirecting produce to those who need it most, Kanbe’s is building a more inclusive food system and creating a more sustainable future for our community. Visit kanbesmarkets.org.