Use Kansas City MO’s Speakeasy Platform to Help Shape Kansas City’s Future Food and Organics System
Kansas City is developing a Circular Organics Economy—a system that keeps food and organic materials in productive use for as long as possible. Instead of sending valuable resources to landfills, a circular approach prioritizes preventing food waste, rescuing edible food for people, composting food scraps, improving soil health, creating local jobs, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Kansas City Circular Organics Economy: A Strategic Plan for Organics Recovery and Food Rescue outlines recommendations to help Kansas City reduce wasted food, expand food recovery programs, increase composting opportunities, strengthen local food systems, and build a more resilient community. The plan identifies opportunities to increase food access, support local businesses, create green jobs, improve neighborhood livability, and advance the City’s Climate Protection and Resiliency goals. The plan estimates that implementing its recommendations could divert up to 37,500 tons of material from landfills, avoid 82,200 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and create 56 local jobs.
Before Kansas City, MO moves forward with implementation, we want to hear from you!
You can read the KCCEP Report Here: KCCEP Report 7-8-26.pdf
The Circular Organics Economy Plan is built around six key focus areas:
- Planning and Policy
- Waste Prevention and Food Recovery
- Organics Collection Programs
- Infrastructure Investment
- Regional End Markets
- Local Leadership and Engagement
Together, these strategies aim to create a system where food is used for its highest value—feeding people first, then supporting composting, soil health, renewable energy, and local economic development.
What ideas, concerns, or priorities should Kansas City consider as we work to reduce food waste, rescue edible food, expand composting, and build a Circular Organics Economy?
You may wish to comment on:
- Food waste prevention and education
- Food rescue and food donation programs
- Composting and organics collection services
- Neighborhood composting opportunities
- Community gardens and urban agriculture
- Access to fresh, healthy food
- Job creation and workforce development
- Environmental justice and equitable access
- City policies, incentives, and partnerships
- Other ideas that would help Kansas City create a more sustainable and resilient food system
Please share your thoughts on SpeakEasy. We will review community feedback as we refine implementation priorities and future programs.
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