SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

The state will use candy and soda definitions that are already set in its food and sales tax laws.

Gov. Laura Kelly originally refused to hand over the data, leading the federal government to threaten withholding SNAP funds. The governor said she received additional privacy guarantees for how the data will be used.

A Kansas Senate committee is considering a bill to pressure Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration to comply with the federal government’s request for the data, including social security numbers. Kansas is one of more than 20 states rebuffing the request.

Missouri submitted a waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture requesting to certify candy, desserts, soft drinks, and certain fruit juices as ineligible to purchase with SNAP benefits.

A federal judge ruled last year Missouri’s food aid system was “overwhelmed,” had wrongly denied assistance to applicants, and had caused many to go hungry. A new bill signed by President Trump will cut SNAP funding and add work requirements, which will likely worsen the problems.

Joey Thomas has been sponsoring a turkey giveaway for almost 20 years. But he says this year feels different. Low-income families and businesses are all struggling with higher prices, a long federal shutdown and smaller, delayed SNAP benefits.

Federal food assistance has started to flow again after the government reopened. But the charitable food system is planning for continued need through the end of the year.

Researchers surveyed low-wage workers and found many report administrative burdens in signing up and keeping vital Medicaid and SNAP coverage.

As the Kansas City metro faces rising food insecurity due to reduced SNAP benefits, ongoing economic strains, and heightened demand during the holiday season, NourishKC is making sure people can get the resources they need with dignity.

Kansas City area school districts are connecting families with food, clothing and other resources after the federal shutdown exacerbated their financial strain.

The federal funding package to reopen the government included a one-year extension of certain 2018 Farm Bill programs. Several expired Sept. 30 or would have been null by the end of the year.

Baylee Watts, the Missouri Department of Social Services' media director, said in an email that the department is working with its electronic benefits vendor to distribute full November benefits.