Nearly 200,000 Kansans Could Face Food Shortages If Government Shutdown Continues
Clarissa Rodriguez | @clarissa.rodriguez_
Nearly 200,000 Kansans could face food insecurity if the federal government shutdown continues, potentially halting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November.
The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) says SNAP benefits may be delayed or interrupted entirely unless federal or alternative funding is restored soon.
Gov. Laura Kelly (D) has joined more than 20 other states in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), urging the federal government to find alternative funding to continue providing food assistance.
“If SNAP benefits are halted for a number of weeks, there will be hunger in this country,” said Donna Ginther, Professor of Economics and Director of the Institute for Policy and Social Research at the University of Kansas.
According to a letter from the USDA, states were told to hold off on processing November benefits until further notice.
SNAP by the numbers:
- 93,000 Kansas households rely on SNAP each month
- 188,000 Kansans receive assistance
- $34.4 million in monthly benefits support families statewide
Local food pantries are preparing for what could be a sharp increase in need if benefits are paused.
“We’re pretty concerned about how we will fill the need,” said Haylie Lancaster, Campus Cupboard Coordinator. “Places like Harvesters and Just Food have said there’s really no way to completely fill the gap left by SNAP benefits.”
DCF Secretary Laura Howard said in an emailed statement that the agency is ready to act quickly once federal funding resumes.
“As soon as an agreement is reached or the federal government finds an alternative funding source, we are ready to distribute benefits within 72 hours of approval.”
The potential delay comes just before the holiday season, when food banks already face higher demand.
“So many people already live paycheck to paycheck,” said Elizabeth Keever, Chief Resource Officer at Harvesters. “Food prices are still up over 20% from 2019. Things are already really hard for families.”
To help ease the burden, Kelly is launching “The People’s Budget Tour” to host food drives and raise awareness about the impact of the shutdown.
In a statement, Kelly criticized federal leaders for the situation.
“States cannot, and should not, take on the federal government’s responsibility to fund SNAP. Cutting off SNAP payments is a choice made by President Trump and his administration, aided by House Speaker Mike Johnson. SNAP has never been cut during a previous shutdown,” Kelly said.
Despite the uncertainty, DCF says it is still processing applications as usual. Douglas County WIC Executive Director Johnathan Smith confirmed that operations are continuing normally, with only a few families affected by temporary formula shipment delays.
If no federal action is taken by October 28, Kansas SNAP benefits will remain on hold until the government reopens.
How to Get Help:
DCF encourages families to use their October benefits and stay informed:
- Apply or check status: dcf.ks.gov
- Find local food pantries: kansasfoodsource.org
- Call 2-1-1 for local food and resource assistance
