Combating Food Insecurity in Johnson County, KS

What did you resolve to do at the start of the new year?

During this time of reflection and renewal, many of us set new goals and commit to making a positive impact on the world. If one of your resolutions for 2025 is to give back to your community, consider these five ways to make a difference combating food insecurity in Johnson County, KS:

1. Resolve to Share:

• Host a food drive at your next gathering: birthday party, game night, book club meeting, etc. Encourage guests to bring non-perishable food items instead of gifts. You can drop the items off at the FUUD Pantry Tuesday afternoons or Sunday mornings.
• Organize a fundraiser for the pantry among friends and family.
• Consider collecting donations of personal hygiene items, which are often in high demand at food pantries.

2. Resolve to Advocate:

• Stay informed about food insecurity issues in Johnson County and the Kansas City metro area.
• Contact your local elected officials to express your support for policies that address the root causes of poverty, such as access to affordable housing, living wages, and quality healthcare.
• Attend a local city council meeting or participate in a community forum to learn more about local issues and advocate for change.

3. Resolve to Volunteer:

• Lend a hand at the FUUD Pantry. We always need help with sorting, packing, and distributing food.
• Consider volunteering your time to support other local organizations that address food insecurity.
• Share your skills – whether it’s cooking, gardening, or administrative support – with local organizations that fight hunger. (Did you know we have Hope’s Harvest, a community garden that raises food for our food pantry?)

4. Resolve to Educate:

• Share information about food insecurity in Lenexa and Johnson County with your friends, family, and on social media.
• Educate yourself and others about the impact of poverty on our community.
• Organize a community event to raise awareness about food insecurity and the work of the FUUD Pantry.

5. Resolve to Support:

• Become a monthly donor to the FUUD Pantry. Your consistent support helps us provide reliable and consistent assistance to those in need.
• Consider making a one-time donation to the FUUD Pantry.
• Explore other ways to support the FUUD Pantry, such as donating gently used household items or organizing a workplace giving campaign.

Everyone deserves access to nutritious food. When you contribute through your time, treasure or talents — no matter how small — it makes an impact.

You can make 2025 a year of compassion and community support. When we work together, we can combat food insecurity in Johnson County, building a stronger and more just community.