Our Programs

With Nourish KC now part of The Prospect KC, we offer a holistic approach to addressing food access, nutrition, and workforce development: Together, we’re building a healthier, stronger community with food as the catalyst

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.

Nourish KC the prospect KC food programming for food insecurity

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.

nourish KC workforce development

The Pantry Partner Program

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.

nourish kc pantry partners

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.