The Culinary Center of Kansas City Launches “Pay What You Like” Meal Program to Support Kansas City Families Affected by Government Shutdown
Initiative Invites Community to Pay Forward Support for Neighbors In Need
OVERLAND PARK, KS – Nov. 6, 2025 – The Culinary Center of Kansas City has launched a community support initiative to help families impacted by the recent government shutdown.
The “Pay What You Like” family meal program will offer traditional, freshly-made meat lasagnas available at The Culinary Center’s retail store, with community members invited to pay whatever amount works for their situation—including just $1. Those with means can “pay it forward” by contributing extra to fund lasagnas for neighbors in need. Community members can order their lasagna now on The CCKC website.
“We spend every day teaching people how to make delicious food and share meals together,” said Heather DeFeo Minor, General Manager of The Culinary Center. “When we saw our neighbors struggling because of the recent benefit interruption, we knew we had to help. This program is our small contribution to helping make sure everyone in the Kansas City area has access to a warm, homemade meal, regardless of their circumstances.”
Each lasagna serves a family of four people and is prepared with the same quality ingredients and culinary expertise that go into the school’s regular cooking classes, which range from sushi-making to sourdough bread to classic French techniques.
The program operates on three simple principles:
- Pay What You Can – If you’re affected by the government shutdown, pay whatever amount works for your budget, even if that’s $1.
- Pay What You Like – Contribute what feels right to you for a homemade lasagna that serves four people. Just input the amount you’d like in the last box on the lower right.
- Pay It Forward – Add extra to your contribution to sponsor lasagnas for other community members.
Lasagnas will be available for pickup on Tuesday, November 25, from 12:00pm to 6:00pm at The Culinary Center’s downtown Overland Park location (7920 Santa Fe Drive). Community members can reserve their lasagna in advance here.
“No one should have to choose between feeding their family and paying other bills,” added Heather. “We’re hoping this small act can ease some of the burden our neighbors are facing, and we’re grateful to everyone in our community who pays it forward to make this possible.”
For more information about the “Pay What You Like” lasagna program or to reserve a lasagna, visit here or call 913-341-4455.
Published: Nov. 6, 2025
ABOUT THE CULINARY CENTER OF KANSAS CITY
Founded in 1996, The Culinary Center of Kansas City is the Midwest’s premier culinary arts center dedicated to food, wine, and culinary education. Located in a historic restored buggy barn in downtown Overland Park, Kansas, the CCKC offers cooking classes, interactive events, private dining experiences, team-building programs, and a curated Kitchen Shop. For more information, visit kcculinary.com or call 913-341-4455.
Contact: Darren Palmet, Co-owner of The Culinary Center of Kansas City | 913-341-4455 | darren@kcculinary.com
