Today, Representative Sharice Davids dropped off canned goods at Shawnee Community Services while calling attention to the growing strain on Kansas families during the ongoing government shutdown. With federal nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC halted, an estimated 180,000 Kansans are at greater risk of hunger. Davids is urging both parties in Congress to work together to reopen the government and ensure families don’t go without basic necessities.

“This shutdown isn’t just about politics — it’s about people,” said Davids. “Families across Kansas are already struggling to put food on the table, and this shutdown makes it even harder. Food banks are stretched thin, grocery stores are losing revenue, and working people are paying the price for a mess they didn’t create. I’m urging both sides of the aisle to come to the table and get this government open again — because no Kansan should go hungry while Washington argues.”

Resources for Impacted Kansans: If you or someone you know needs food assistance during the shutdown, the following local resources can help:

• Harvesters Community Food Network: Distributes food and resources through local food pantries, kitchens, emergency shelters, and day programs. Click here to donate or find help.
• Shawnee Community Services: Distributes free food and clothing, serving the entire KC metro since 1982. Click here to donate or find help.
• Kansas Food Bank: Partners with pantries and community organizations across western Kansas to keep shelves stocked in rural areas. Click here to donate or find help.
• Feeding America: Find or support a food bank in your community. Click here to search.
• 211: Kansans can also call 211 or visit 211Kansas to locate nearby food assistance programs. Click here for assistance. 

Because of the shutdown, 42 million Americans — including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, and 1.2 million veterans — will not receive their November SNAP benefits. When nutrition support is withheld, the ripple effects are widespread: grocery stores lose business, local economies suffer, and food banks see surging demand. Davids and her Kansas Republican colleagues are urging the administration to ensure that families can continue putting food on the table this November.

Davids is pushing for a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government and protect Kansans from skyrocketing health care costs when insurance tax credits expire later this year. She announced her support for two bills: to guarantee pay for aviation workers and active-duty service members. Kansas is home to more than 25,000 federal employees and more than 21,000 active-duty service members.