"Health requires healthy food" — a sentiment that drives Food Connect's mission to improve nutritional access in the Kansas City region. Our goal is not just to feed people, but to create sustainable pathways to nutrition.

Since launching our Food as Medicine pilot program with Vibrant Health in 2024, we've partnered with exceptional local organizations. Food 4 Life (F4L) is a Spanish-language Food as Medicine pilot in partnership with Vibrant Health and the Kansas City Food Hub. Participants receive weekly delivery of a box filled with produce sourced from local farmers by The Kansas City Food Hub, monthly diabetes education classes, and support from  community health workers (CHW) through Vibrant Health.

Each box of farm-fresh produce we deliver from the Kansas City Food Hub does more than nourish—it promotes health, supports local farmers, and fosters sustainability. By reaching communities that need it most, we’re creating a ripple effect that impacts patients today and generations to come—introducing them to the lasting benefits of high-quality fruits and vegetables.

“Eating more vegetables has been of great help for our health and a good example for my family to try a different variety of produce”- F4L Participant

Lightfoot Express, our trusted Kansas City courier, has been a vital partner in our mission. With every box of fresh produce they deliver, they ensure care and integrity, leaving our participants and their families truly satisfied. 

Lisa Lightfoot-Taylor's women-owned business, established in 2018, provides top-tier logistics services. Her team ensures patients receive produce boxes reliably each week. Beyond logistics, Lisa's Lightfoot Ministries offers weekly meals and resources to community members in need.

One of our drivers, Julie, shares her experience:

"Working for Food Connect's Food as Medicine program has been incredibly rewarding! The dispatch team is supportive, and it's fulfilling to know families are receiving high-quality produce to help manage their chronic conditions."

Lisa's commitment recently earned her Community Partner of the Year recognition from TRI-CIT for her exceptional work in Clay, Platte, and Ray counties.

The success of our Food as Medicine program is a testament to the power of collaboration. From the dedication of partners like Vibrant Health and the Kansas City Food Hub to the care and reliability of Lightfoot Express, each piece of this puzzle works together to create lasting change. These partnerships not only deliver fresh produce but also build a healthier, more equitable future for Kansas City. Together, we’re proving that access to nutritious food isn’t just a necessity—it’s a catalyst for thriving communities.

Join us in driving this mission forward by learning more or making a donation today.