Connecting People, Food, and Conservation
Through sustainable food practices, community outreach, and educational programs, we aim to empower individuals to grow their own food and support local food systems, helping create a resilient future for both people and wildlife.
At the Topeka Zoo sustainability is at the heart of our mission. We understand that when people are hungry, their priority is simply to find food—survival often takes precedence over long-term solutions. That’s why we’re passionate about ensuring food is not only available today but also secure for future generations. By connecting food production to human consumption, we’re working toward a more sustainable future, where communities are empowered with the knowledge and resources to thrive.
What Is Your Topeka Zoo Doing:
A Unified Approach to Solving Hunger
We understand that solving hunger requires a united approach. By working with local organizations, we are helping to ensure that no one goes hungry while simultaneously fostering sustainable food.
Increasing Food Distribution in the Community
Partnering with Project Topeka to increase food distribution across the community.
Educational Outreach on Pollinators' Vital Role
Raising awareness through educational programs that highlight to understand the vital role pollinators, like bees, play in the production of the food we consume and how their actions directly impact on our food supply.
Addressing Hunger and Supporting Pollinators
Working to address hunger locally, supporting pollinator-friendly projects, or improving access to resources in underserved regions, the zoo is actively working with others to amplify its impact.
Promoting Sustainable Practices and Conservation
Raising awareness about sustainable food practices, the importance of pollinators, or the impact of equitable conservation projects.
Building a Food-Secure and Sustainable Future
Supporting local partners and raising awareness about pollinators’ critical role in food production, we are helping to create a more food-secure and sustainable future for all.
Hunger is a complex issue that requires collaborative efforts across the community. At the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center, we are passionate about supporting local partners who are actively working to resolve hunger in our region. Through these partnerships, we aim to raise awareness and drive action that address both the immediate and long-term food security needs of our community.
Guiding principle
The presence of hunger prevents us from connecting with and delivering the zoos message to a significant portion of our community. Hunger is going to have adverse impacts on the environment as more of the environment is altered for increased food production. Therefore, to support conservation, we must support solving the hunger issue now and for the future.
Strategy 1
Ensuring Food Availability for the Future
The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center uses its facilities to collect food, make food available to those in need, and to provide education that connects food production to human consumption.
Goal 1: Food Collection and Community Support: We are passionate about supporting local food security efforts, helping meet immediate needs while also laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability. Our food collection initiatives include:
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Partnering with Project Topeka, a local food bank that distributes meals to those in need across our community.
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Hosting annual food drives during zoo events and free days, where visitors can donate non-perishable food items in exchange for discounted or free admission.
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Running round-up fundraising programs, where zoo guests can round up their purchases to support local food security efforts.
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Offering on-site food distribution points to ensure that zoo staff and their families have access to healthy meals.
Goal 2: Raising Awareness About Sustainable Food Practices: Once immediate hunger is addressed, we can turn our focus to sustainable food practices that support long-term food security. We aim to educate the public on growing and preparing their own food to promote resilience and self-sufficiency. Our educational initiatives include:
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A Demonstration Garden on zoo grounds, where visitors can learn how to grow their own produce and see firsthand how local food production can make a difference.
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Providing Container Gardening Guides to help people grow food at home, regardless of available space.
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Hosting culinary classes for both staff and the public, teaching how to prepare and cook fresh, locally grown produce.
Strategy 2
Supporting Local Partners to Solve Hunger
The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center supports community partners, who are actively working throughout the community to solve hunger problems.
Hunger is a complex issue that requires collaborative efforts across the community. We are passionate about supporting local partners who are actively working to resolve hunger in our region. Through these partnerships, we aim to raise awareness and drive action that address both the immediate and long-term food security needs of our community.
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Goal 1: Collaborate with local community partners to address and resolve hunger issues in Topeka.
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Goal 2: Raise awareness about the important relationship between pollinators and the production of food for human consumption.
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Goal 3: Highlight and support schools and businesses that are creating pollinator-friendly gardens, such as the Shawnee County Schools Monarch Waystations.
Strategy 3
Influencing Global Change Through Conservation
The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center has influence on a global level through our conservation initiatives. We give preference to projects and programs that support and build equity within those areas. Through these efforts, the goal is to improve access to basic needs like food.
Our conservation efforts reach far beyond our local community. Through partnerships and programs focused on global impact, we prioritize initiatives that not only protect wildlife but also promote equity and access to basic needs like food. We aim to improve the livelihoods of individuals in the areas where we work by supporting sustainable and equitable solutions.
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Goal 1: Continue supporting conservation projects with equity components, such as our tiger, giraffe, and Asian elephant initiatives, which integrate sustainable agriculture and employment opportunities.
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Goal 2: Increase fair-trade components in our retail and purchasing programs to support ethical sourcing and global communities.
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Goal 3: Share our success stories through marketing initiatives, conference presentations, and publications to inspire others to adopt similar models.
Join the Fight to Save Endangered Species
Together, we can make a difference. By supporting Topeka Zoo’s initiatives, you’re helping protect vulnerable species, restore habitats, and ensure a future where wildlife can thrive. Join us in taking action today!