Kansas City Celebrates Local Food and Community

Kansas City is celebrating a community-led project connecting people to local food while preparing to welcome the world in 2026. With support from the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 KC Farmers Market Passport, a program that encourages residents and visitors to explore farmers' markets and support local growers across the Kansas City region.

"The KC Farmer's Market Passport reflects Kansas City's commitment to an equitable, community-rooted food system", said Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw. "By connecting residents and visitors to fresh, locally grown food, this program supports local farmers, strengthens neighborhoods, and improves the health and well-being of our community."

The KC Farmers Market Passport highlights neighborhood markets, local farmers, and small food businesses that make Kansas City unique. As the city prepares for the 2026 World Cup, this passport offers an invitation to experience Kansas City through fresh food, local culture, and community connection.

"The Farmers Market Passport is a wonderful program that showcases the best of the 3rd District and the best of Kansas City's local food system", said Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley." I am proud to support this initiative that ensures our community gets access to fresh, locally grown produce and celebrates the hardworking farmers who make that possible. And with the successful renewal of the PLANT grant program, I am excited for even more new and emerging food producers to have the support they need to join the local food movement here in KC."

Led by the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council, the project was developed in partnership with Cultivate KC, Kansas City Community Gardens, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City Black Urban Growers, and Kansas City Food Hub, with key support from Councilwoman Melissa Patterson-Hazley. The initiative also celebrates the creative work of designer Lauren Allen, who designed the Farmers Market Passport.

"The KC Farmers Market Passport grew out of Ivanhoe's belief that access to fresh, local food should be intentionally cultivated, community-centered, and within reach for everyone, said Alana Henry of the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council. "We're proud to have launched a successful program that celebrates our growers, strengthens local markets, and invites more Kansas Citians into the food system."

The passport is designed to be simple and fun to use, helping people discover farmers' markets they may not have visited before while supporting the local food system. It reflects a shared commitment to strengthening neighborhoods, supporting farmers, and creating welcoming experiences for both residents and visitors.