'It's absolutely terrifying': Kansans react as SNAP benefits run out

KANSAS (KSNT) — The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been suspended nationwide for three days now, and pantries are already beginning to run low here in Kansas.

On Monday, we spoke with several members of the community who lost food stamps on Nov. 1. They've told us, it's a very uneasy time for them, and say that the situation is "absolutely terrifying".

The SNAP program is currently suspended due to the ongoing government shutdown. It has left more than 180,000 Kansans, including 80,000 children, without benefits.

Additional data from the Kansas Department of Children and Families shows us that the average family on the SNAP program in Kansas receives $366 in benefits each month.

Without this money, Kansans tell us they are worried about keeping their children fed.

"It's really hard not being able to know or understand how we're going to feed, not ourselves but more so our children," said Chrisanta Hoskins, a Kansas mother and SNAP recipient. "I know I have a couple of family members, but I don't want to take from them knowing that some of them are also dependent on the same benefits that I'm dependent on too."

Another local Kansan we spoke with, Ashlie Guffey, says, "As someone who doesn't always know when I'm going to have my next meal, it's absolutely terrifying to feel that for children and to have their bellies grumble."

After a federal court case, President Donald Trump will be required to use about $5 billion in emergency funds to partially fund SNAP in November.

However, for now, Kansans remain without benefits.

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