A GROWING MENU A GROWING TEAM

When refugees arrive in Kansas City, they bring with them their own cultural practices, such as music, art, and food, which add to the diversity of our community This can create wonderful opportunities for cultural exchange and education, as locals have the chance to learn about the customs and traditions of people from across the globe.

Food is a significant aspect of different cultures that can have a delicious impact on the local community. Our new neighbors bring unique and diverse cooking traditions, using ingredients and spices that may not be commonly used in the local cuisine. In the case of Afghan and Congolese refugees, their traditional cuisines are rich and varied. Afghan cuisine is known for its use of spices like saffron, cardamom, and coriander, while Congolese cuisine is characterized by its use of cassava, plantains, and peanuts At Della Lamb, we enjoy potlucks With the addition of many Afghan team members, the newest staple dish in 2022 was Afghan Pulao Uzbeki along with our long-time favorite, Somalian Sambusas

In addition to the cultural and culinary benefits, welcoming refugees to a city has a positive impact on the social fabric of our community. Refugees often arrive with a strong sense of community and family, which can help to create a more cohesive and supportive environment for everyone. Kuomba Church, a local Congolese congregation associated with the United Methodist Church, held services in our Recreation Center for many months in 2022. As we welcomed families from the DRC, our partnership with Kuomba Church created an easy avenue to introduce our new neighbors to Congolese peers who have deep roots in Kansas City

By embracing the unique experiences and traditions of our new neighbors, our city has created a more inclusive and diverse environment that benefits everyone We are grateful to be a part of a Kansas City that welcomes all