Full Plate Project

Full Plate Project is a meal-focused initiative created to support individuals experiencing food insecurity during critical life transitions. The program provides thoughtfully assembled meal kits that include shelf-stable ingredients and simple, easy-to-follow recipe cards. Each kit is designed to create a complete, nourishing meal using only basic kitchen tools. This makes the meal kits ideal for individuals who have recently secured housing or are living independently with limited resources. More than just a food program, the Full Plate Project is rooted in dignity, empowerment, and practical support. By removing barriers such as lack of transportation to grocery stores, inconsistent access to fresh ingredients, and the stress of meal planning, the program helps people take meaningful steps toward greater stability and self-reliance. For someone rebuilding their life, such as a veteran transitioning out of homelessness, a new mother balancing childcare and education, or a survivor of domestic violence starting over in a new environment, these meals offer both nourishment and a sense of security.

Meal kits will be distributed through ICT Food Rescue’s nonprofit receiving agencies, including Passageways, Treehouse, and the Wichita Family Crisis Center. Passageways Living Center provides temporary housing while giving our Heroes the opportunity to overcome the issues that brought them to homelessness. Treehouse supports mothers and babies by offering a brighter future through God’s love, basic necessities, education, and genuine personal care. The Wichita Family Crisis Center serves survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking through shelter and advocacy, while also increasing community awareness through prevention, outreach, and education. These trusted partners will distribute Full Plate Project meals directly to clients who live off-site or in independent housing and may face challenges accessing consistent, nutritious food.

Each Full Plate Project bag contains a curated selection of shelf-stable ingredients that together form a balanced meal, along with a printed recipe card offering clear instructions. When possible, the cards include optional suggestions for fresh ingredient add-ins to enhance the meal. The program is designed to reduce the burden of food access for individuals and families working to stabilize their housing, employment, and personal safety. It promotes home-cooked meals as a tool for wellness, independence, and self-care, while supporting partner agencies in offering tangible, low-barrier food resources to their clients.

The impact is especially meaningful for veterans establishing new routines, mothers managing multiple responsibilities, survivors of domestic violence rebuilding lives of safety and autonomy, and low-income individuals in transitional or supportive housing programs. Each of these individuals faces a full range of daily challenges. The name Full Plate reflects this dual meaning. While their emotional, mental, and physical plates may already be full, this program helps ensure that their actual plate is full as well, with food, comfort, and care.