MANHATTAN and WICHITA, Kan. – Kansas State University and the Kansas Health Foundation, or KHF, are joining forces in a new partnership and funding opportunity aimed at ending hunger at the community level across Kansas.

This collaboration, unveiled on Wednesday during K-State’s first-ever Extension and Engagement Week, will leverage the extensive resources and staff of K-State Research and Extension, which operates in all 105 Kansas counties.

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our Next-Gen K-State strategic plan, which emphasizes community engagement and innovative solutions to address pressing challenges,” said Tim Steffensmeier, K-State assistant vice president and director of engagement and outreach. “With the help of KHF, we are enhancing our land-grant mission to serve and uplift the people of Kansas, together.”

The partnership’s focus on combating hunger dovetails with KHF’s Hunger Free Kansas initiative, launched earlier this year in response to alarming statistics from Feeding America, which indicate that one in 10 Kansans and one in five Kansas children face food insecurity.

“Our state universities are vital resources for a healthier, more vibrant, and more prosperous state,” said Ed O’Malley, KHF president and CEO. “With its rich history of community engagement, agricultural knowledge and statewide outreach, K-State is the perfect partner to help us work in every county of Kansas to fight hunger and food insecurity.”

A key element of this partnership will involve collaborative efforts to ignite innovative and experimental projects at the local level, guided by K-State Research and Extension agents. To support these initiatives, KHF is providing $300,000 in funding, primarily directed to local extension offices through mini grants.

“Through this partnership, we can empower our local communities to develop tailored solutions to food insecurity,” said Gregg Hadley, K-State assistant vice president and director of extension. “By supporting innovative projects on the ground, we can inspire meaningful change that directly benefits our neighbors and friends across Kansas.”

Local extension agents will be invited to apply for the mini grants through a streamlined process managed by K-State Research and Extension, with the aim of distributing funds in early 2025.

“At the Kansas Health Foundation, our work centers around the goal of helping Kansas lead the nation in health,” O’Malley said. “That won’t happen unless we forge strategic partnerships with outstanding institutions like K-State. We know the K-State community believes in the present and future of our state, and we’re grateful to work hand-in-hand with all Wildcats on this initiative.”

This partnership not only reflects K-State’s commitment to its land-grant mission but also advances the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan by fostering innovating solutions to hunger, ultimately strengthening communities throughout Kansas.

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About the Kansas Health Foundation

The Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) is a nonprofit organization based in Wichita but statewide in its focus. At KHF, all our work centers on our mission: to improve the health of all Kansans. As part of a new strategic framework, developed by our staff and board of directors, KHF also strives to accomplish three primary purposes: empower Kansas to lead the nation in health; eliminate the inequities that create health disparities; and, for KHF to become THE model for philanthropic impact.

About Kansas State University

As the nation’s first operational land-grant institution, Kansas State University has served the people of Kansas, the nation and the world since its founding in 1863 — and it continues to set the standard as a next-generation land-grant university. K-State offers an exceptional student experience across three physical campuses and online offerings, meeting students where they are and preparing them to achieve their personal and professional goals. The university is committed to its mission of teaching, research and service through industry-connected programs, impactful research-driven solutions, and a sharp focus on community engagement and economic prosperity.