The Kansas Department for Children and Families, or DCF has been informed by the USDA that if the government shutdown continues into November, they will not be receiving full SNAP benefits for November. The USDA has told states to hold off processing November benefits until further notice. If no federal action is taken by Tuesday, November 4th, SNAP benefits will not be disbursed. So, where does that leave Kansans dependent on SNAP to get food?
SNAP provides benefits for more than 93,000 Kansas households – nearly 188,000 Kansans. DCF Secretary Laura Howard says once an agreement is reached, they are prepared to act quickly and could have benefits available within 72 hours.
In the meantime, local food outlets such as Hope House, United Way and the Blessing Box are asking those who are able, to donate as much as they can to fill the void, as they always do as the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays approach.
A little editorial comment here, meanwhile, our representatives and congressman in Washington are still getting their paychecks!
