Kansas City Gumbo Fest warms souls and builds community

The Prospect KC is a social enterprise founded by award-winning professional chef, Kansas City native and community activist Shanita McAfee-Bryant. Its mission is to address food access, poverty and many other social issues such as workforce development and nutrition education through different partnerships.

BONUS: Enjoy this delicious gumbo recipe from Chef Shanita >

Spire supports event with deep meaning 

Gumbo, a hearty stew often associated with Louisiana and other areas of the southern United States, is sometimes used as a metaphor for how diverse groups in a community can come together to achieve great things. In the same way that varied ingredients and cultural influences determine the flavor of the gumbo ─ each a bit different, but each delicious ─ so too can people from different backgrounds come together to create solutions that improve lives. 

The Prospect KC hosted its second annual Gumbo Fest in October at location in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz district. Sponsored by Spire, proceeds from the event benefitted the organization through increased access to food, nutrition education and culinary job training.  

All guests enjoyed sampling a variety of gumbos created by local chefs and teams competing for the honor of being named people’s choice and overall best gumbo. Live music, vendors and yard games made for a fun-filled afternoon. 

Spire's Shaylyn Dean, director of external affairs, had the enviable task of judging all the gumbo entries and helping to determine this year's winner. Shaylyn said of the experience: 

“Judging was a lot of fun. All the entries were great and it was tough to choose a favorite. After sampling all seven, I was stuffed. But the thing about gumbo is you always want to go back for just a little bit more." 

"It’s an honor to support this event and all that The Prospect KC is doing to make a difference in the community.” 

To learn more about The Prospect KC and their mission to address hunger, homelessness and poverty in eastern Kansas City, visit their website.