January 21, 2026 | Claire Sinovic
Winter is often a time of reflection, planning and possibility. It’s also the perfect time to show up for local farmers, food businesses and a stronger regional food system for us all!
In the coming weeks, The Food Circle is excited to be joining partners from across both Missouri and Kansas for two advocacy days centering local food and farms. Keep reading to learn more and get involved. We hope you’ll join us.
Missouri Local Farm & Food Advocacy Day – Tuesday, February 24, 2026 in Jefferson City, MO
The Food Circle is proud to be a planning partner for the Missouri Local Farm & Food Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. We’ll be there alongside farmers, food system leaders, and community advocates from across the state, sharing stories, building connections, and speaking up for policies that support local food and family farms.
This day is about putting real experiences in front of decision-makers and helping legislators better understand what our communities need to thrive. Participants will have opportunities to speak directly with lawmakers about issues pertaining to healthy food access, local market development, support for small and beginning farmers, sustainable agriculture and more!
The event is free and open to all, with advocacy support and lunch as well as travel assistance available for Missouri producers.
Learn more and register:
https://www.newgrowthmo.org/post/local-farm-and-food-advocacy-day-feb-24-2026
Kansas Food Action Network (KFAN) 2026 Advocacy Day – Thursday, March 5, 2026 in Topeka, KS
We’re also excited to share an upcoming advocacy day in Topeka hosted by our trusted partner, Kansas Food Action Network (KFAN). While The Food Circle is not involved in planning this event, our team will be attending and would love to stand alongside our farmers, partners, and allies as we advocate for a stronger Kansas food system.
If you have questions, please reach out to Lorrie Kessler at lorrie@ksfoodactionnetwork.org
Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/1a051UlGkSQF84CYCJOi4ryIYOw8ZTZMzExxJkYBIsoU/viewform
Showing up and talking with elected officials can feel intimidating, but you don’t need to be a policy expert to advocate for issues that are important to you and your community. Your lived experience, your story, and your presence are all you need and it really can make a difference.
Whether you’re a farmer, food business owner, nonprofit partner, or community supporter, being there helps ensure that local food and farms are seen, heard, and valued in policy conversations.
We hope to see you at one (or both) of these advocacy days and please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!
Looking for more ways to support local food?
Check out our KC Food Circle Directory and Eat Local Map to discover restaurants, grocery stores, farmers markets, growers, and community partners offering locally-sourced food and read our blog all about CSAs to to discover farmers near you offering farm shares this winter and spring!