Partial SNAP funding still leaves gaps in Kansas City
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A volunteer packs food at Harvesters in Kansas City on Oct. 28. Photo: Kansas City Star/Getty Images
Local organizations are working to fill the SNAP benefit gaps resulting from the federal shutdown, even as the Trump administration announced it plans to partially fund SNAP benefits.
Why it matters: At least 150,000 Kansas City metro residents rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and will face even tighter budgets this month.
Catch up quick: Up to 42 million Americans didn't receive their benefits on Nov. 1 as U.S. legislators remained locked in a budget battle.
- Two federal judges ruled the administration must use SNAP contingency funds, which total $4.65 billion and will cover 50% of the current allotments.
Yes, but: Each state is responsible for figuring out how to deliver its own portion of the reduced benefits, which could "take anywhere from a few weeks to up to several months," a government filing on Monday stated.
What they're saying: "Families will miss meals, food pantries will reach their breaking point, and local communities will bear the burden of Washington's paralysis," KC Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a statement on Oct. 30.
Stunning stat: The United Way of Greater Kansas City has seen a 16% increase in calls for food assistance since the government shutdown started in October, KCTV5 reports.
Zoom in: Jackson County on Oct. 31 authorized $6 million from general revenue to support dozens of local food programs.
- The state of Missouri on Oct. 29 announced $10.6 million to provide meals for seniors and $5 million for state food banks.
- Kansas was among the states that sued for SNAP funding, and Gov. Laura Kelly (D) will host a food drive Wednesday in Leawood.
Local food assistance networks like Harvesters and Kanbe's provide pantry locators and other resources for finding food — along with volunteer and donation opportunities.
- And businesses including Café Cà Phê, Taps on Main, and Nour are running donation programs through November, The Pitch reports.
By the numbers: The percentage of the population that uses SNAP benefits varies across Kansas and Missouri, with the highest percentages in 2024 found in Missouri's Bootheel, KMBC reports.
- Wyandotte County (11%) and Jackson County (10.3%) had the highest percentages in the metro.
What's next: The Kansas City Health Department is hosting a free food pantry and resource fair Tuesday at 1:30pm at 2400 Troost Ave. while supplies last.