A Conversation with Thomas Smith, Kansas City Food Hub

How does the harvest-to-order model employed by the Kansas City Food Hub’s farms minimize food waste and maximize efficiency in the supply chain? 

Today on Tangled Taproot, hosts John Cowan, Christin Jameson, and Jackson focus on the transformative impact of the Kansas City Food Hub on local farms and communities. Thomas Smith, Director of Operations at the Kansas City Food Hub, reveals the co-op’s innovative model that connects small and medium-sized farms with larger institutions such as schools and restaurants. The farmer-owned cooperative structure combines traditional and cutting-edge farming techniques. The harvest-to-order model minimizes food waste and enhances the freshness of produce. The Food Hub conducts educational field trips to promote healthier food choices among children and collaborates with other local organizations, schools, and sports teams. Tune in to hear how local food systems like Kansas City Food Hub strengthen community bonds and support sustainable agriculture. 

Founded in 2020 by John Cowan, Mylk and Hummus makes on-the-go, chickpea-based snacks that focus on flavorful hummus varieties and ready-to-drink plant-based lattes. Mylk and Hummus products nourish the physical and mental endurance needs of today while considering environmental goals for the future. At Mylk and Hummus, plant-based food is made with ingredients proudly sourced through sustainable and regenerative agriculture where farming principles and practices enrich soils, restore watersheds, and lead to healthy ecosystems. The company operates on these principles to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to the reversal of global trends in climate instability, habitat loss, and the vitality of the natural world. 

Discussion Points: 

• Local KC Food Hub fosters community connection 
• Thomas Smith intro and background 
• How it works: Farmers' co-op food aggregation/distribution model 
• The Food Hub and the Alliance Southwest Missouri food boxes 
• The harvest-to-order model, technology 
• Partnering with community organizations, farm tours, field trips 
• Building community through agriculture 
• Local food corridor network building  
• Quality and personal connection in farming 

Resources: 
Kansas City Food Hub 
Kansas City Food Hub Facebook 
Kansas City Food Hub LinkedIn 
Kansas City Food Hub Instagram 
Mylk and Hummus  
Email Tangled Taproot with show ideas and comments 
Tangled Taproot Podcast 
Mylk and Hummus Instagram 
Mylk and Hummus YouTube 
Mylk and Hummus Facebook