NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When you walk into the North Kansas City YMCA, you'll walk past the pool, the exercise room, but you'll also notice a new addition.
It's a food pantry that combats food insecurity in the area.
In the region, one in eight people are food insecure. For children, that number is one in six.
Late last month, the YMCA partnered with Harvesters and Humana to provide healthy food options for families in need, to combat the issue.
The pantry is open six days a week during certain hours.
From fresh vegetables, pasta and different drink items, people in the community are able to pick out healthy options for their families.
"We don't want cost or access to be barriers or challenges that anybody experiences," said Tina Weaver, North Kansas City YMCA executive director. "So we're trying to eliminate those challenges and really make sure that we are providing to our community the best way we can."
Although it's only been open a month, Weaver said she's already seen the impact.
"We've distributed over 1,000 pounds of food in just over a month," Weaver said. "And we're anticipating these next 2,000 pounds to go out just as quick. But we understand the need is growing and we need to continue to provide."
Harvesters Program Director Jessica Kejr said this partnership is a great way to fill the food insecurity gap and provide healthy options at the same time.
"We know in this region, people who are visiting food pantries, about 37 percent have diabetes and about 62 percent of people visiting food pantries are also hypertensive," Kejr said. "So again access to the right type of food at the right time is critical."
Weaver said the pantry intertwines the YMCA's three focus areas: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
"Healthy food transcends all across those focus areas. We need to make sure our youth have that access and that availability through our healthy living focus. It fits hand in hand and social responsibility " Weaver said. "At the YMCA, we are here to be responsible to our communities to making sure that they have these options available readily available."
JoAnn Zahner has been volunteering since the pantry opened. She said it truly is eye-opening.
"Just the people that have come through that are truly in need," Zahner said. "Their eyes just go wide when they see the wonderful produce they can get for free and the kids, helping their parents like, 'Oh my gosh, can you make this tonight?' It gives me chills."
Weaver said this initiative wouldn't be possible without the partnership of Harvesters, Humana and volunteers.
Right now, the North Kansas City YMCA has roughly 11,000 members, but the pantry is open to everyone, member or not, during specific hours. The Y is also working with nearby shelters to provide more healthy food options for them.
Pantry hours:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Saturday - 9 a.m. to Noon
