How it all Began
The Beans&Greens program was created in 2010 by several local healthy food and lifestyle advocates dedicated to bringing innovative approaches to our community to improve the health of our residents. Our visionary founders include: the Menorah Legacy Foundation, Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture, the Healthcare Foundation of Greater Kansas City, the Kansas Rural Center, the Family Conservancy, City Market, KC Healthy Kids and the Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition.
The "Double Value" Trend
The team noticed that “Double Value Programs” enabling food assistance dollars to be spent at farmers’ markets combined with matching incentives were gaining momentum in our country.
In 2008, 12 farmers’ markets offered “Double Value Programs” in California, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Currently, there are more than 160 farmers’ markets in 20 states operating similar programs.
Targeting "locally grown and produced foods" as a means to improve local food security in our community distinguishes this program from others that seek to improve food security.
In Gratitude
We thank our founders, funders and supporters for sharing our vision and putting nourishment at the heart of the matter for Kansas City.