Civic Engagement for Healthy Communities

Aug 17

For a second, think about your typical third grade classroom. Walls full of colorful art, kids eager to learn, maybe even a class pet… would you be shocked to learn that one in seven kids in this classroom don’t know where their next meal is coming from? As unsettling as that may be, it is the reality here in Kansas. Throughout our state, and especially in Southeast Kansas, where I have lived my entire life, there are signs of food insecurity all around. You see it with the lack of choice of where to buy fresh food and an overreliance on dollar stores for groceries. It’s families who don’t know how they are going to afford school supplies or put money in their kids’ school meal account. And you see it when the local churches hand out food boxes once a month, and the line extends several blocks out.

At Kansas Appleseed, we are committed to ensuring our communities are thriving, inclusive, and just. What that ultimately means is we work towards making sure families have food on the table, that everyone is able to participate in elections, and everyone benefits from a fair justice system.

Every year, Kansas Appleseed travels throughout the state to connect with like-minded, curious individuals to work toward a common goal: ending hunger in our communities. In our meetings this year, we posed the question: “What does hunger look like in your community?”

It was no surprise that answering this question was the most sobering part of the day. Answers from community members – some directly impacted by hunger and those who work the front lines every day – included: long lines at food pantries, people making the impossible choice between utilities and groceries, relying on bike share programs as main modes of transportation, skipping meals… the list went on and on

Then came the next question– the hardest but most exciting of the day– “What does a hunger-free Kansas look like to you?” It is no surprise that what came after this question was posed made our team smile from ear to ear. Our communities know exactly what they need to thrive, and the ideas we heard at the summit that day reaffirmed that belief.

The big theme we heard throughout the answers to this question was that more Kansans needed to be at the table in the decisions that matter to them and their communities.

There is no shortage of people doing the work around our state working to fight food insecurity. The issues surrounding food insecurity and poverty are systemic, and they require holistic solutions that include everyone in the process. These holistic solutions are why it’s important for Kansans to participate in all aspects of their communities, including voting and even running for office.

During the 2022 general election, 91.91% of the southeast Kansas population that is voting age were registered to vote. 41.84% of those registered voters actually voted. Similar statistics exist across the state. Imagine what we could accomplish if more folks participated.

For better or for worse, food insecurity is always on the ballot. We can elect officials that see the long food pantry lines, know that the choice between utilities and food is impossible, and fight to ensure no Kansans are hungry. Local offices such as the city commission, county commission, and school board determine the policies in our communities and they are where our voices can be most impactful. Unfortunately, too often, incumbents are unopposed on a ballot, creating a city or county system run by the same folks for five to ten years. This limits voters’ options and greatly reduces the amount of systemic change for locals advocating for their community.

We should be asking school board candidates about their plans to expand access to child nutrition programs. Would they support after-school supper or offering universal free meals to the students in their district?

We should be asking city and county commission candidates to talk about how they will support the houseless community and if they will reject policies that criminalize those who must sleep on the streets.

We need active, informed members of the community to run for office. This includes people who may be experiencing hunger and poverty or people who work with those experiencing hunger and poverty.

If you’re interested in running for office, there are a few key points that you might want to know before throwing your hat in the ring.

You don’t have to know everything and everyone to run for office and make a difference.

There will surely be a few reasons that come to the top as you think about why you are running for office, but what matters most is that you care enough about your community to run in the first place. Additionally, you don’t (and won’t!) have to know every detail of the office you are running for. Sure, you will want to know important details, but there may be pieces of the office and of the campaign itself that you will learn how to do along the way.

Be curious and ask questions.

The key to creating healthier, strong communities is ensuring everyone has a seat at the table and a voice to be heard. As a candidate, it is imperative that you remain curious and interested in what your community members have to say!

It takes a village!

Campaigns are won when many people come together because they believe in the candidate. A key piece of campaigning, especially in rural areas, is to ensure there is a robust group of people helping and supporting you on the journey. You will likely need someone to help with campaign management, fundraising and money, communications, and more.

Creating the change our communities need takes just one person to step up and declare that a new way is possible. It can be you. It should be you. When the opportunity comes your way, we hope you’ll be the voice and the change for your entire community.