Across Kansas, thousands of families are feeling the ripple effects of the ongoing federal government shutdown. Programs that many rely on to stay fed, healthy and secure are now at risk of disruption, deepening the uncertainty that so many in our community are experiencing when trying to make ends meet.
Without federal funding, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that help feed over 188,000 Kansans and 650,000 Missourians are at risk of being halted in just a few days, leaving families without vital food assistance. For families already managing limited incomes, this disruption is more than a delay. It is a direct hit to household stability and overall well-being. Even a brief pause in support can mean empty pantries, missed meals, and rising stress and anxiety about the weeks ahead.
Contrary to recent statements by the Trump Administration that SNAP “contingency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits” for November 2025, the Administration has the power to continue SNAP benefits based on the law and practice of prior administrations. Another tool at their disposal—as was the case when monies were used to provide additional funding to the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program—is the Administration’s legal transfer authority. Learn more here.
At the same time, the cost of health coverage through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace is set to rise sharply. According to a new analysis from the KFF Health Policy Research Group, insurers nationwide are proposing premium increases averaging 26%, with many enrollees likely to experience even steeper out-of-pocket costs if enhanced premium tax credits are allowed to expire. If these critical subsidies are not renewed, many low- and moderate-income residents will face even higher costs, forcing difficult decisions between maintaining coverage, housing, or putting food on the table.
These combined pressures illustrate how policy and funding decisions at the federal level have real-life consequences for people in our region. Cuts and disruptions to programs like SNAP and the ACA Marketplace do more than tighten budgets; they threaten access to critical needs that support the health, stability and dignity of our communities.
Harmful policy decisions like these remind us of why an engaged citizenry is critical. Your federal and state representatives need to hear from you. Let them know that while we all want to prevent waste and abuse in government programs, we also want families to get the help they need. Inform them that Congress needs to renew the healthcare subsidies provided under the Affordable Care Act and immediately release funds to cover SNAP payments. Cutting billions from healthcare, food programs, and other life-saving services isn’t right and children and families shouldn’t have to pay the price.
These issues are non-partisan and widely supported by Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike. They are also a stark reminder that elections matter. Make plans now to vote in the elections being held across our region next week. Kansans can look up their voter status, polling location and sample ballot at the Kansas Secretary of State’s website here. Missourians can click here to visit the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.
As we approach the holiday season, let’s all recommit to living our shared values of compassion, checking in on a friend, and helping a neighbor in need. Community resources such as United Way’s 211, and the mental health hotline 988 are important tools to connect people experiencing hardship and stress. Community food banks and other health and human services need our financial and volunteer support now more than ever. In the words of Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
