Senator Marshall Volunteers at Harvesters Food Bank as SNAP Funding Runs Out Tomorrow
Lawrence – On Friday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), visited Harvesters Food Bank in Lawrence to meet with staff and volunteers and see firsthand how the Harvesters network is working with its community partners to step up to support families during the ongoing government shutdown.
Harvesters serves as the regional food bank for 27 counties across northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri, partnering with more than 900 nonprofit organizations, including food pantries, community kitchens, schools, shelters, and churches, to distribute food to families, seniors, and children in need.
In 2023, Harvesters distributed more than 63 million pounds of food, providing the equivalent of 52.5 million meals to local communities.
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, beginning November 1st, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will lapse, leaving 200,000 Kansans, including 88,000 children, without critical support. The WIC program is projected to run out of funds by November 10th. Senate Republicans have voted 13 times to reopen the government and continue funding for SNAP. Unfortunately, five more Democrat votes are still needed to pass these measures and provide certainty to the millions of Americans impacted by this shutdown.
“For every meal that Harvesters provides, SNAP provides nine,” said Senator Marshall. “While Harvesters and organizations across our state are stepping up in incredible ways to meet this need, it’s time for the federal government to reopen so hardworking families, children, and seniors do not go hungry.”
In the meantime, Kansans who are affected by the shutdown or wish to help can take action locally:
- Click here to find your nearest food bank.
- Click here to find your nearest emergency domestic and sexual violence emergency shelter.
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Contact: Payton Fuller
