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Kansas

Federal Policy Efforts (State-specific)

Argentine Neighborhood Development Association

The Argentine Neighborhood Development Association (ANDA) used HFFI financing to develop a Healthy Food Center as part of its Healthy Lifestyles Initiative to improve access to healthy and nutritious food in Argentine, Kansas. Prior to receiving HFFI funding, Argentine was a designated food desert with a lack of grocery store access to healthy, fresh, nutritious food. After three years of community engagement, participatory research, and town hall meetings, ANDA developed a business plan and attracted a supermarket partner, Save-A-Lot Food Stores. Construction began during summer 2013, and the new grocery store opened in December 2013. The HFC increased sustainable employment opportunities through the creation of 92 construction jobs and 34 post-construction jobs for low-income residents and TANF participants. The grocery store stays in close communication with the community to meet its needs and build on its strengths, such as bringing registered dieticians to share best practices for preparing culturally relevant foods. 

Source of money: HFFI CED Program

State & Local Policy Efforts

Kansas Healthy Food Initiative

The Kansas Healthy Food Initiative (KHFI) is a public-private partnership that aims to increase access to affordable fresh food to improve the health and economic development of Kansans and their communities. The KHFI provides technical assistance for those seeking to strengthen access to healthy foods as well as financing through a mix of loans and grants to develop new or renovate fresh food retail in underserved communities throughout Kansas. The program works to bridge informational and financing gaps faced by healthy food stakeholders and food retailers operating in low- to moderate-income areas.

Seeded by the Kansas Health Foundation, the initiative is a partnership among Kansas State University’s Center for Engagement and Community Development, IFF (a community development finance institution) and NetWork Kansas, with strategic guidance provided by The Food Trust. You can learn more about the program, its structure, and how to apply for funding on the Kansas Healthy Food Initiative website.
 

For a full understanding of Healthy Food Financing Initiatives from advocacy to implementation, see The Food Trust’s Healthy Food Financing Handbook.