Cosentino's Free Kids Meals Initiative

In a powerful show of community support, Kansas City's family-owned grocery chain, Cosentino’s Food Stores, launched a special initiative in November 2020 to offer free meals to children 12 and under. For five days, from November 3rd through 7th, families could visit participating Cosentino’s stores between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to receive a free dinner for their kids. The program provided welcome relief to local parents navigating the economic and logistical challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This limited-time offer was available at all Cosentino’s locations except for the Apple Market stores and the Cosentino’s Downtown Market.

"All Cosentino grocery stores except for the Apple Markets and the Downtown Market will be offering free meals to children 12 and under, November 3rd to the 7th from 4-7 PM,” the company announced on social media, outlining the details of its Free Kids Meals Initiative.

Cosentino’s operates dozens of grocery stores under the Price Chopper and Cosentino’s Market banners, serving as a community hub in the Kansas City metro. (Image Source: KMBC 9 News Report)

Any child up to age 12, when accompanied by a parent or guardian, could receive a complimentary dinner with no purchase required. The meals, distributed through the deli and prepared foods departments, typically included a kid-friendly entrée, a side item, and a drink, all served in to-go containers for convenience.

Community Support Amid Rising Need

Cosentino’s initiative arrived at a critical time when many families were grappling with food insecurity. The pandemic caused widespread job losses and school closures, disrupting access to school-provided meals and straining household budgets. Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, projected that one in four children in the U.S. could face hunger in 2020 due to the pandemic's effects. This marked a significant increase from 2019, when a USDA report found that 13.6% of households with children experienced food insecurity.

Local Impact and Reactions

The Kansas City region saw numerous efforts to combat child hunger, including "grab-and-go" meal distributions by school districts and expanded outreach from food banks like Harvesters – The Community Food Network. Cosentino’s program complemented these efforts by focusing on the dinner hour, a mealtime not typically covered by school programs.

The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. Parents took to social media to express their gratitude, with many calling the initiative "a lifesaver" that helped them save money and time. Local organizations also praised the grocer for its proactive support, with one youth outreach representative noting, "community-driven efforts like this make a real difference for families during an incredibly stressful time.”

A Tradition of Community Giving

The Free Kids Meals Initiative is consistent with Cosentino’s long history of community involvement. Founded in 1948, the family-owned business has grown to over 30 stores while maintaining a focus on neighborhood service. Cosentino's frequently supports local causes, from sponsoring youth sports to hosting food drives for Harvesters. The company is a regular participant in the “Check-Out Hunger” campaign, which allows customers to donate to hunger-relief efforts at the register. This deep-rooted commitment to giving back has solidified Cosentino’s reputation as a true community partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Cosentino’s store locations offered the free kids meals?

Nearly all Cosentino’s-owned grocery stores in the Kansas City metro participated, including all Cosentino’s Price Chopper supermarkets and Cosentino’s Market locations. The only exceptions were the Cosentino’s Apple Market stores and the Cosentino’s Downtown Market.

Was a purchase necessary?

No purchase was necessary. The free kids meal was offered with no strings attached as a gesture of community support.

What were the dates and times?

The free meals were available from Tuesday, Nov. 3 through Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM each day.

What did the meal include?

The menu varied by location but typically included a main dish like pizza or chicken strips, a side like fruit or macaroni & cheese, and a drink. Meals were packaged for carry-out.

Did children need to be present?

Yes, the program was designed for children who were at the store with a parent or guardian. The general expectation was that the child should be present to receive the meal.

Was there an age limit?

The free meals were for children 12 years old or younger.

How many children could get a meal?

Each eligible child present was entitled to one free meal per day during the promotion.

Why were some stores excluded?

While no official reason was provided, it is likely due to operational factors. The excluded Apple Market stores are smaller and may lack the full-service deli facilities of larger supermarkets, while the Downtown Market serves a different customer base.

What other food assistance resources are available in Kansas City?

Families in need can contact local School District Meal Programs, Harvesters – The Community Food Network, or dial United Way 2-1-1 to be connected with local pantries and support services.

Conclusion

Cosentino’s Free Kids Meals Initiative stands as a testament to the positive impact local businesses can have on their communities. By providing free, hot dinners, the grocery chain eased the burden on families and ensured hundreds of children had a nutritious evening meal. In a year marked by unprecedented challenges, this act of generosity reinforced the spirit of community and compassion that defines Kansas City.