How Parkville Food Bank is Battling Hunger to Nourish Northland’s Children

PARKVILLE, Mo. – This past winter, many families faced soaring energy bills, leaving them to choose between basic necessities like warmth and food. In Clay and Platte County, the nonprofit organization Feed Northland Kids steps in to help families in need, ensuring that no one has to go hungry.

Kim Hartsock, a mother of two, noticed a significant increase in food insecurity when her children entered the North Kansas City School District. Like many, her family struggled with rising grocery costs post-pandemic. “In the beginning of the month, we had lots of bills and very little left for food,” she reflected.

Hartsock discovered that right beneath Park University is where Feed Northland Kids keeps many of its donations, ready to be sent to local schools. These include several districts such as Excelsior Springs, Kearney, Liberty, and North Kansas City.

Gwen O’Brien, Executive Director of Feed Northland Kids, explained, “Schools reach out to us for support, and we work to ensure students get the resources they need.” Their mission extends beyond providing immediate relief; they aim to offer nutritious food that helps families plan for the long term. Their pantry stocks a variety of food groups, including fresh produce and shelf-stable items.

“It definitely eased our financial strain,” Hartsock said. “Having healthy options as well as canned goods to rely on during tighter times was reassuring.”

Feed Northland Kids also collaborates with Harvesters to distribute “BackSnacks” to elementary students in the Northland. These packages, provided on weekends and school breaks, contain around four pounds of food, including two meals and nutritious snacks. “BackSnacks” help fill the gap from Friday to Monday when children aren’t getting school meals.

In April, KCTV plans to contribute up to $1,500 to support Feed Northland Kids as the school year comes to a close. This initiative helps ensure students can focus on their studies rather than hunger. O’Brien mentioned that each community food kit costs approximately $25, a fraction of what a family would spend at a grocery store.

Food insecurity continues to be a pressing issue across the U.S. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates that around 10.5% of American households experienced food insecurity in 2021. Organizations like Feed Northland Kids play a vital role in alleviating these struggles.

As hunger persists, community support remains crucial. Every little contribution can create a significant impact on families facing tough choices. For more information on how to get involved, check out Feed Northland Kids.

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