Image courtesy DCF

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced in an update on Oct 31 that at this time, November SNAP benefits will not be distributed.

Because of the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has instructed states not to issue November SNAP benefits, even though emergency funds are available to support the program.

Governor Laura Kelly, along with 25 other states, has filed a lawsuit against the USDA to require the agency to use those emergency funds. On Friday, Oct. 31, a court ordered the USDA to present a plan by Monday, Nov. 3, to fund SNAP. Governor Kelly has issued a statement in response to the ruling.

“The Court’s decision today makes clear that the Trump Administration has acted unlawfully in its attempt to withhold November SNAP benefits from millions of Americans, including nearly 188,000 Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to fund this program so Kansans can continue to feed themselves and their families. While this ruling is a step forward, I urge the USDA to act swiftly to comply with this order and issue November benefits to prevent 42 million Americans from going hungry.”

DCF will continue to share updates as new information becomes available. While the agency is still accepting SNAP food assistance applications, benefit distribution for eligible households will be delayed until the shutdown is resolved. Kansans are encouraged to continue applying for assistance.