Wichita Sustainable Food Management Summit

A healthy, sustainable regional food system can bring economic, environmental, and social benefits to a community. But these benefits don't happen automatically. Food systems need planning, too! Planning brings structure and strategy to local food systems growth, and helps align policies, such as ordinances, zoning, and incentives to support the local food system. Throughout 2020, the Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita, the City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and community partners created a Food System Master Plan.

Food System Master Plan  

The Fairmount Community Garden began in 2018 as a shared dream with the community.  The garden is a communal garden.  Volunteers work together to make the garden a productive and positive experience for the community by sharing tasks, such as planning, planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting.

Sign up to volunteer  

The Firefly Food Hub offers some of the finest produce in the Wichita local food community. They offer locally grown flowers, fruits, and vegetables that focus on heirlooms and hybrids.  

The Growing Growers Learning Network, part of ICT Food Circle, is for aspiring fruit and vegetable producers who desire a personalized coaching experience to learn foundational concepts and connect to the local grower community, helping them develop profitable farms and effective garden projects.

HAHA Urban Farm aims to foster a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere of laughter and community by organically growing and providing nutrient-dense food to the Bel Aire area in partnership with other local, organic growers. Through these efforts, they hope to inspire friendships and laughter through the sharing of locally grown, healthy and happy food.

The Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita seeks to promote healthy lifestyles through physical activity and healthy eating.  They seek to acheive their mission by working to create an accessible environment, develop effective marketing strategies, and develop programs that supports healthy people.  Through subcommittees, they approach topics such as food policy, physical activity, and working well. They are also active participants in the Wichita/Sedgwick County Food System Master Plan.

Food Policy  Healthy Food Donation Policy Template  

ICT Food Circle is a program of K-State Research & Extension-Sedgwick County whose mission is to connect, educate, and faciliate food system stakeholders. A strong, vibrant, local food economy in south central Kansas that meets the needs of all facets of our community-based food system.

ICT Food Rescue provides logistical support to save surplus food from stores, restaurants, and individuals. Their Mission is to distribute unavoidable food surplus, sharing with the food insecure of Wichita by coordinating food “runners” who transport donated surplus to receiving non-profits.  They are also an advocate for reducing food waste and bringing attention to food insecurity in the Wichita area.  Additional programs include: Surplus Condiment Drives, Bread to Bacon, and the upcoming Food Transformation.

Become a Food Rescuer  

The goals of the Extension Food Safety program include educating consumers on safe food handling with food preparation, food preservation, food service and more. Many topics are highlighted on this site to help you learn how to safely handle food from the farm to your table.

The Kansas Food Bank mission is to provide comprehensive and compassionate HungerCare whenever and wherever it is needed to safeguard the health, well-being and productivity of food-insecure Kansas families and their children, as well as senior citizens, the homeless and the chronically ill and impoverished among us.

How to Help  KFB Programs  

Nudge Compost seeks to facilitate food waste recycling in Wichita by offering a simple, clean, and professional alternative to sending food waste to landfills.

The Pollution Prevention Institute's (PPI) vision is for a healthy Kansas environment that fosters economic and environmental sustainability and growth. PPI's mission is to promote sustainability through environmental education and services to industry and institutions.  These services include environmental compliance and pollution prevention technical assistance.

Sustainable Materials Management Resources  Food Recovery Resources  Environmental Impact of Food Waste Prevention Education  

The Sedgwick County Conservation District (SCCD) provides resources and experiences to promote conservation of natural resources including, soil, water, air, plants, and animals.  The SCCD is part of a USDA Service Center where customers can access services provided by the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Milpa Planting  Cost Share Programs

Sedgwick County Environmental Resources provides information and resources on a variety of environmental topics including, trash, recycling, water, and public education.  

The K-State Research and Extension is a statewide network of educators sharing unbiased, research-based information and expertise on issues important to Kansas. Topics of research and education in the Sedgwick County Extension Office include, agriculture, local food, health and nutrition, community vitality, and many more.

The Culinary Arts program will prepare individuals with little to no industry experience for entry-level and secondary food service positions with the potential for expedited promotion. The curriculum covers a diverse menu of options, from artisanal breads and pastries to global cuisines classes and places emphasis on maximizing lab contact hours, and providing real-world experience in an urban location within the framework of innovation, sustainability, and accessibility.

The Hospitality and Events Management program offers a multi-disciplinary degree intended to provide students the knowledge and practical skills for success in the Hospitality Industry.