188K Kansans await SNAP benefits. Help by donating to this large Wichita food drive
As thousands of Kansans go without Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits during the second month of the federal government shutdown, the United Way of the Plains is hosting a food drive to meet higher demand.
The flash food drive is this Friday, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at United Way’s office at 245 N. Water St. Community members will be able to drop off their food items without leaving their vehicles.
“The event supports United Way’s broader investment of $50,000 in rapid-response funding to strengthen 20 area food pantries serving high-need communities across south-central Kansas,” a press release for the event reads.
SNAP benefits abruptly ended Nov. 1 after the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it lacked funding to distribute the benefits, formerly called food stamps, to nearly 40 million Americans. About 188,000 Kansans get food assistance through SNAP every month. More than 23,000 households in Sedgwick County received SNAP assistance in July, according to data from the Kansas Department for Children and Families.
Last week, a federal judge ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to fund SNAP benefits using emergency funds, but in a social media post, Trump threatened to withhold payment. Hours after Trump’s post, the White House said it would comply with the order. It’s unclear when SNAP payments will resume.
What food should I donate in Wichita to fight hunger?
United Way says nonperishable goods are most needed, which includes canned goods like soup, veggies, tuna, beans, fruit and chicken.
Its website also asks for cereal, oatmeal, pasta, rice, stuffing mix, instant potatoes, boxed meals and peanut butter.
United Way of the Plains’ website says individuals can help in many ways, including providing food donations, monetary donations and as volunteers. This echoes the same request made by the Kansas Food Bank in late October while they were preparing for SNAP cuts.
“We’re not asking for a whole lot, we’re just asking for a little bit to get us through what appears to be might be a rough patch,” Brian Walker, the president and CEO of the Kansas Food Bank, told The Eagle.
You can find a list of available food pantries and soup kitchens across Kansas on the Kansas Food Source’s website.
This story was originally published November 6, 2025 at 12:02 PM.
