Kansas City, Missouri – Kansas City is finding a fresh way to tell its story, one market table, neighborhood garden, and local grower at a time.
As the city looks ahead to welcoming visitors from around the world in 2026, a new community-led effort is inviting residents and guests to experience Kansas City through food, culture, and neighborhood connection.
With support from the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council has launched the 2026 KC Farmers Market Passport, a program designed to guide people across the region’s farmers’ markets while lifting up the growers and small food businesses behind them.
The idea is simple: explore more markets, meet more local producers, and support the food system that helps give Kansas City its character. But behind that simple concept is a broader goal — making fresh, locally grown food more visible, more accessible, and more deeply tied to community life.
“The KC Farmer’s Market Passport reflects Kansas City’s commitment to an equitable, community‑rooted food system”, said Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw.
“By connecting residents and visitors to fresh, locally grown food, this program supports local farmers, strengthens neighborhoods, and improves the health and well‑being of our community.”
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The passport highlights neighborhood markets, farmers, and small food businesses that help shape the Kansas City region. It also arrives at a moment when the city is preparing for the 2026 World Cup, giving visitors another way to see Kansas City beyond stadiums, streets, and landmarks.
For Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley, the program is both a celebration and a tool for growth.
“The Farmers Market Passport is a wonderful program that showcases the best of the 3rd District and the best of Kansas City’s local food system”, said Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley.”
I am proud to support this initiative that ensures our community gets access to fresh, locally grown produce and celebrates the hardworking farmers who make that possible. And with the successful renewal of the PLANT grant program, I am excited for even more new and emerging food producers to have the support they need to join the local food movement here in KC.”
The project was led by the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council in partnership with Cultivate KC, Kansas City Community Gardens, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City Black Urban Growers, and Kansas City Food Hub. Designer Lauren Allen created the Farmers Market Passport, giving the initiative a practical and welcoming identity.
“The KC Farmers Market Passport grew out of Ivanhoe’s belief that access to fresh, local food should be intentionally cultivated, community-centered, and within reach for everyone, said Alana Henry of the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council.
“We’re proud to have launched a successful program that celebrates our growers, strengthens local markets, and invites more Kansas Citians into the food system.”
In the end, the passport is more than a guide. It is an invitation — to discover new markets, support local farmers, and see Kansas City through the people who grow, sell, cook, and share its food.
