Fueling Change Through Food
Where Everyone Has a Seat at the Table
The Prospect KC is a high-impact employment social enterprise that uses food to transform lives, address food insecurity, and create economic opportunities in Kansas City. Founded in 2019 by Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant, The Prospect KC operates at the intersection of food access, workforce development, and community engagement.
Through hands-on culinary training, food redistribution, and wraparound support services, we empower individuals facing barriers to economic mobility—ensuring they have the resources, skills, and opportunities to thrive.
“At The Prospect KC, food is more than just a meal—it’s a catalyst for opportunity, empowerment, and change.”
— Shanita McAfee-Bryant, Founder & Executive Director
Features
At The Prospect KC, we believe that food should do more than feed—it should educate, employ, and inspire. We turn surplus food into career paths and fresh, nutritious meals, bridging the gap between need and opportunity.
Our Mission
Accountability – We drive impact, collaborate, and deliver meaningful outcomes with honesty and transparency.
Generosity – We believe in giving without expectation and fostering a culture of respect and dignity.
Access – Food is a human right, and we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of socioeconomics, has access to nutritious meals.
Empowerment – We create safe and affirming spaces that encourage security, innovation, and personal growth.
Community – We nurture partnerships and connections that lead to sustainable, meaningful change.
Our Core Values
Our Programs
Nourish KC Community Kitchen
As a vital initiative of The Prospect KC, Nourish KC rescues fresh, high-quality food and transforms it into nutritious meals for Kansas City’s most vulnerable residents.
We provide:
Daily hot meals at the Nourish KC Community Kitchen.
A Daily Pantry program offering fresh groceries and essential items.
Food Recovery & Redistribution, redirecting surplus food to partners and individuals in need.
Nutrition education & cooking demonstrations to empower individuals with healthier meal choices.
Culinary Futures Workforce Development
A 16-week intensive culinary training program that equips individuals with the skills necessary to build sustainable careers in food service and hospitality. Participants gain:
Hands-on experience in the Nourish KC Community Kitchen.
Industry certifications (including ServSafe and advanced culinary training).
Job placement support and wraparound social services to ensure success.
Through partnerships with local food banks, businesses, and nonprofit organizations, The Prospect KC ensures that surplus food is redistributed efficiently and ethically. Goals include:
Expanding to 70 active pantry partners by the end of 2025.
Diverting 40,000 pounds of surplus food monthly to minimize waste.
Providing monthly meal deliveries and pantry staples.
The Pantry Partner Program
Social Enterprise Initiatives
Our food-based social enterprises generate revenue to sustain our mission while providing on-the-job training and employment opportunities for program graduates:
The Nook KC – A training coffee shop located in the Kansas City Central Downtown Library, providing workforce development opportunities and barista training for program participants.
Rite Way Café (Coming Fall 2025) – A community gathering space integrating food justice, activism, and Biscuits.
The Prospect KC Catering – Providing high-quality, chef-driven catering services that support our workforce development initiatives.