By Kansas Living on May 27, 2025
Local and Fresh for All: Cultivating Community Through Food Access in Atchison County
How a county Farm Bureau initiative connects families with fresh produce and supports local farmers
In the heart of northeast Kansas, Atchison County Farm Bureau helps cultivate more than crops. Through its “Local and Fresh for All” program, which is partially funded through Kansas Farm Bureau’s End Hunger program and supported by Farm Bureau Financial Services area agents, the organization is sowing solutions to food insecurity one farmers market gift certificate at a time.
Planting the Idea
The seed for the program was planted during a county board meeting where county coordinator Mindy Young presented her vision to give back to the community. Recognizing youth aged 9 to 18 comprised the largest demographic in the county, the focus naturally turned to area schools. Working at the school allowed board member Jane Halling to reach out and identify approximately 100 children who were eligible for free or reduced lunches. This information started the foundation of a program that would not only provide fresh produce to families but also support local farmers.
“As farmers, this program is such a natural connection,” Halling says. “We grow and provide food for everyone and tying together farmers’ and ranchers’ products with the farmers market opens the eyes of students who aren’t as familiar with agriculture. It serves a great purpose and helps in the community and everyone truly wins.”
Harvesting Community Support
Each participating child in the backpack buddy or free and reduced lunch program receives five $5 gift certificates for each kid in respective families, each redeemable with any vendor at the Atchison Farmers Market. The certificates are handed out in spring and valid through December. They are distinguished by color and year, allowing families to purchase locally grown food. Vendors collect the certificates and report them to the farmers market accountant. The accountant maintains records and works with the county coordinator to reimburse the farmers monthly.
The program’s success hinges on community partnerships. The school counselors play a vital role in distributing vouchers and encouraging families to participate. Local farmers embrace the initiative and appreciate the increased sales and opportunities to connect with new customers.
“It is important for farmers to get paid as well so they can keep growing and bringing in their products,” Young says.
Cultivating Growth and Education
Participation rates have improved annually with the coupon program. More than half of the distributed coupons were redeemed in the latest cycle. In the third year, Atchison County Farm Bureau is partnering with Salvation Army to add 15-20 more recipients regardless of age. This allows for expansion and the ability to reach economically disadvantaged individuals who may not have children.
“The goal is to secure $3,000 in reimbursement this year, building on the $1,575 reimbursed last year,” Young says.
Beyond nutrition, the program fosters education. Families learn about seasonal produce and gain an understanding of when certain fruits and vegetables are available in Kansas. This knowledge sparks curiosity in market visitors and often inspires some to start their own gardens.
“People really want to know how something is grown,” Young says. “They especially become interested in certain things so they could possibly start their own garden.”
Looking Ahead
Plans are underway to incorporate gardening and cooking demonstrations at the farmers market to further enrich the educational aspect of the initiative.
The Atchison County Farm Bureau Local and Fresh for All program exemplifies how local efforts can yield significant benefits. By connecting families with fresh produce and supporting local agriculture, the program nourishes bodies and strengthens the community.
“This program reflects what Farm Bureau is all about — neighbors helping neighbors,” Young says. “By connecting families to fresh, local food and supporting farmers, we're strengthening the entire community. We see this as an investment in health, education and local agriculture.”
To learn more about the End Hunger program, visit www.kfb.org/endhunger.
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