The Prospect KC

Make your Easter gathering effortless—and meaningful—with our seasonal catering menu. This Easter, skip the stress and let us do the cooking! Our spring-inspired menu is prepared by our culinary team so you can relax and enjoy more time with your loved ones. And when you cater with us, you're not just serving great food—you’re supporting culinary training, materials, and opportunities for our next generation of food industry professionals. Follow the link to view our spring menu: https://bit.ly/4hSy9Nf ?? Inquiries: [email protected] Let’s plan something special—together.

Team up. Stir the pot. Support a great cause. We’re inviting Kansas City chefs, culinary creatives, and community members to enter a team in Gumbo Fest 2025—a flavorful fundraiser benefiting The Prospect KC. ?? Saturday, April 26 | 12–4PM ?? 11 E 40th St, Kansas City, MO 64111 ?? Free to enter ?? Basic ingredients, tents, furniture, and serving supplies provided ?? 8 VIP tickets + 8 drink tickets included per team Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a weekend gumbo warrior, we’d love to see you represent your flavor, your team, and your creativity. Sign up to compete: ?? https://lnkd.in/gGMCmqfv All proceeds support culinary workforce development at The Prospect KC.

Are you or someone you know looking to build a career in the culinary industry? Attend our open house tomorrow at 11 am at our coffee shop @thenook_kc located at the KC Central Downtown Libaray to learn more about our Culinary Futures Workforce Development Program! Start building your future and career now, and take the first step. Can't attend? Email our Program Director at [email protected] to learn how you can get involved today.

We’re suiting up in style! ???? Thanks to the Jacques Pépin Foundation, our kitchen staff, Prospects, and volunteers now have brand-new aprons—beautifully crafted and proudly co-branded with The Prospect KC and JPF logos. We’re deeply honored to be a 2024 recipient of the Jacques Pépin Foundation’s Principal Grant Program, joining a national network of organizations uplifting lives through culinary education. The JPF carries forward Jacques’ spirit of generosity and teaching by: ??? Supporting community-based culinary training programs across the country ?? Providing curriculum, cookbooks, and technique videos from the Pépin library ?? Producing video recipes with Jacques and world-renowned chefs like José Andrés and Andrew Zimmern ?? Brokering connections between education providers and industry partners Their mission? To enrich lives and strengthen communities through the power of culinary education—and we’re proud to be part of that mission. Thank you, Jacques Pépin Foundation, for helping us equip our community with the tools (and the aprons!) to thrive.

We had the pleasure of catering for the @boysgrowkc Greenhouse Social to celebrate their newly constructed greenhouse! This fantastic spring event was such a great way to connect with local KC organizations, and celebrate the mission of BoysGrow! Reach out to us at [email protected] to start planning your perfect spread!

Good food, great company, and a chance to give back! ??? Every Thursday in March, when you dine at Cliff’s Taphouse (3044 Gillham Rd, KC), a portion of your check will be donated to The Prospect KC, directly supporting our mission and students. We’re so grateful to Cliff’s Taphouse for their generosity and commitment to the community. Mark your calendars, bring your friends, and let’s make Thursdays a night to dine for a cause!

We are profoundly grateful to the Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF) for their generous $10,000 grant, which will significantly bolster our mission to empower lives, disrupt poverty, and cultivate community through culinary education. The JPF, founded in 2016, is dedicated to enriching lives and strengthening communities by supporting culinary arts education and job training programs, especially for individuals facing barriers to employment. This grant is among 16 awarded to organizations that utilize culinary arts to enhance lives and strengthen communities. Our founder, Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant, expressed, 'The Jacques Pépin Foundation’s commitment to enriching lives through culinary education aligns perfectly with our vision, and this partnership strengthens our ability to serve individuals seeking a fresh start.' The JPF supports community-based culinary training programs nationwide, helping individuals detached from the workforce gain confidence, skills, and employment in the food industry. Their belief in the transformative power of culinary education resonates deeply with our goals at The Prospect KC. To learn more about this meaningful partnership and the impactful work of the Jacques Pépin Foundation, read the full article in Startland News: https://lnkd.in/gcX3Xn43 #jacquespepin #jacquespepinfoundation

Week 1: Trailblazers in Food Justice ????? Welcome to Week 1 of our Women’s History Month series! Each week, we’re highlighting influential women in the food justice movement who have created lasting change in marginalized communities. Maria Elena de la Garza fights for farmworkers—the very people who grow our food but often struggle to afford it. As Executive Director of the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, she works to secure fair wages, food assistance, and healthcare for migrant workers. Decades earlier, Dorothy Height tackled food insecurity in Black communities. As president of the National Council of Negro Women, she launched nutrition and economic programs to combat discrimination and systemic hunger. At The Prospect KC, we continue their legacy—ensuring access to meals, job training, and long-term food security. Join us in the fight for food justice. ??

As we close out Black History Month, we’re celebrating workforce development in food systems—the foundation of what we do at The Prospect KC. This week, we honor two groundbreaking women whose work continues to inspire our mission: Edna Lewis, the “Grande Dame of Southern Cooking,” who elevated Southern cuisine and paved the way for Black chefs in the culinary industry. Her passion for tradition, technique, and storytelling through food continues to shape kitchens across the country. Michelle Obama, whose “Let’s Move!” Initiative focused on improving food systems, health, and economic opportunities, championing access to nutritious food for all. Their work resonates with our mission at The Prospect KC, where we train the next generation of chefs, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to build a more equitable and inclusive food system. Through education, mentorship, and hands-on experience, we’re ensuring that culinary careers are not just accessible—but thriving and sustainable. As we wrap up this series, we celebrate the lasting impact of these icons and remain committed to nourishing, empowering, and transforming lives through food—right here in Kansas City and beyond.

We are beyond grateful to Paric for being the first official sponsor of our 3rd Annual Gumbo Fest! Their generosity and commitment to our mission help bring this incredible event to life, ensuring we can continue celebrating food, culture, and community in a meaningful way. Gumbo Fest wouldn’t be possible without the support of dedicated partners like Paric, whose investment directly impacts our ability to create memorable experiences that bring people together. For over four decades, Paric has been more than a builder—they are a force for progress, shaping communities through innovation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. Whether constructing vital infrastructure, revitalizing historic spaces, or leading large-scale developments, their work transforms more than just the physical landscape. They create opportunities, fuel economic growth, and enhance the places where people live, work, and gather. At Paric, every project is about more than just the build—it’s about making a meaningful difference. By becoming a sponsor, you’re not just supporting Gumbo Fest—you’re investing in the power of community. Join Paric in making a lasting impact and help us bring this event to life! Sponsorship opportunities are available, and we’d love to partner with you. Reach out to [email protected] to learn more about how you can be a part of Gumbo Fest 2025!