Excelsior Springs, Mo.– With winter weather, holiday gatherings, and family celebrations around the corner, Anne Lavelle, MPH, RN, with the Clay County Public Health Center (CCPHC), outlined why food insecurity remains a growing concern in Clay County, including Excelsior Springs.
Food insecurity is defined by the USDA as uncertainty in having enough food due to limited financial resources. According to Feeding America, it affects an estimated 13.4% of Clay County residents.
“It disproportionately affects low-income households, racial and ethnic minority groups, households with children, individuals with disabilities, and single-parent families,” Lavelle said. “Geography and transportation also contribute to this issue.”
Who Is Most Affected in Clay and Platte Counties
Across Clay and Platte counties, Lavelle said more than 150,000 residents, including over 40,000 children and nearly 15,000 older adults, have limited access to healthy foods. These households live more than a mile from a grocery store in urban areas or more than ten miles in rural parts of the region.
Access becomes even more difficult for those relying on SNAP. More than 8,000 households in the area receive SNAP benefits, and another 7,000 residents qualify but are not enrolled.
Beyond transportation and income barriers, Lavelle added that food insecurity is deeply tied to community wellbeing. “It’s linked to poorer physical and mental health, higher healthcare costs, and increased missed school and workdays,” she said.
Holiday Season Demand Surges for Local Pantries
Drive-through food pantries continue to be essential resources this time of year, with many partnering with Harvesters Community Food Network and CCPHC.
Several Excelsior Springs–area partners are stepping up to meet rising need.
Where Families Can Get Help in Excelsior Springs
Zion KC (formerly ES First)
1800 W. US Highway 69
Fourth Saturday each month • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Offers a drive-through food pickup option.
Good Samaritan Center
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. & 1–3:30 p.m.
The pantry is the centerpiece of the center’s emergency assistance program, distributing donations from individuals, churches, and local gardens, as well as USDA-TEFAP and CSFP foods.
Meet the Need
Operates its pantry on Wednesdays by appointment. There are no income requirements, but recipients must complete a short application and schedule a pickup time. Households may receive food twice a month, and volunteers customize each box based on dietary needs and storage abilities.
Countywide Resources and Mobile Pantry Options
The Clay County Public Health Center, located at 800 Haines Drive in Liberty, hosts a monthly mobile food pantry the first Wednesday of each month from 3 to 4 p.m. while supplies last.
“We offer free fruits and vegetables on the first Wednesday of every month,” said Kelsey Neth, CCPHC communications coordinator. “Harvesters secures the produce and transports it to us, where our staff and volunteers distribute it to the community.”
Since launching, the mobile pantry has served over 5,000 households. Starting in November 2025, each vehicle will be limited to picking up for a maximum of four households. Updates, weather closures, and early shutdowns will be posted on the CCPHC Facebook page.
Additional Harvesters partner locations across Clay County include:
– Journey Church of Kansas City — Fourth Saturday, 8–9 a.m.
– Liberty Hospital — Third Friday, 5:30–7 p.m.
– Kansas City Church — Last Thursday, 9:30–11 a.m.
– Vineyard Church — Fourth Saturday, 8–9 a.m.
– Harmony Vineyard Church — Second Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
– North Kansas City YMCA — First Friday, 1:30–3 p.m.
– Christ Temple North — Second Saturday (Feb/Apr/Jun/Aug/Oct/Dec), 9–10:30 a.m.
– Unity Kansas City North — First Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Short-Term Relief, Long-Term Work Ahead
While pantries fill immediate gaps, Lavelle noted the need for long-term solutions. “Along with working to meet the immediate needs, we collaborate with partners to address the causes of food insecurity in our community,” she said.
Food insecurity remains a complex challenge, but local health leaders, nonprofit partners, and volunteers across the county continue working together to ensure families have access to nutritious food this holiday season.
Those interested in volunteering with CCPHC or other area partners can apply here.
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