Shanita McAfee-Bryant, the founder of The Prospect KC, wanted to create a systemic solution to hunger, homelessness, and poverty.
On Aug. 7, the nonprofit is partnering with the Kansas City Public Library to open a 1,350-foot coffee bar and café called The Nook, in the Central Library branch downtown.
The Kansas City nonprofit does outreach to combat food apartheid and has a 16-week culinary program that gives students hands-on cooking experience. And The Nook will be their new training ground, offering a literary-themed menu with drinks and coolers crafted with Messenger Coffee Co.
The menu will also include breakfast sandwiches and lunch items, salads and daily bakery items.
McAfee-Bryant says the Prospect has helped her student Seniyah Crowder develop important skills outside the culinary arts.
“She’s learning how to be independent. She’s learning how to be confident, and I have watched her grow from [being] very shy and very timid in the kitchen,” McAfee-Bryant said.
- Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant, founder of The Prospect KC
- Avis Dinwiddie, student of The Prospect
- Seniyah Crowder, student of The Prospect
