With the government shutdown halting SNAP benefits for hundreds of thousands of Missouri and Kansas families, United Way is inviting community members and businesses to step up and get involved.



Approximately 150,000 people in the United Way of Greater Kansas City service area who rely on SNAP benefits will be impacted by this. While we are hopeful for a quick resolution that allows for SNAP benefit payments to be made quickly, we recognize this may be an extremely difficult time for families who rely on these regular benefits to put food on the table.



“We are deeply concerned about the detrimental impact to the health and wellbeing of everyday families who rely on these important nutrition benefits,” said Jessica Blubaugh, United Way Chief Philanthropy Officer. “No one should have to worry where their next meal will come from.”



You can help in a variety of ways:

1. Make a financial donation to support Snap Into Action. Press "Give Now" on the top right or bottom of this page.

2. Join us to pack non-perishable meal kits that will be distributed to a variety of nonprofit partners serving Kansas City metro families.

3. Contact us at marketing@uwgkc.org to host a food drive.

*All funds raised from Snap Into Action will be used to purchase food, United Way of Greater Kansas City is not retaining any fees.



Volunteer Events Open to All:

• November 12th: 8:00am-9:00am - Set Up Assitance at Kinship Cafe in Independence, MO
• November 12th: 9:00am-10:30am - Meal Packing at Kinship Cafe in Independence, MO
• More events to come, based on product donations.



Volunteer Events Currently Full:

• November 6th: 7:30 am-9:00 am- Set Up Assistance at Strang Reserve in Overland Park, KS
• November 6th: 9:00am-10:30am- Meal Packing at Strang Reserve in Overland Park, KS
• November 8th: 7:30 am-9:00 am- Set Up Assistance at Blip Roasters in Overland Park, KS
• November 8th: 9:00am-10:30am at Blip Roasters in Kansas City, MO



Thank you to our event partners for making this possible.



Unrelated to the government shutdown, United Way nonprofit partners are seeing an inventory shortage of regular food items due to rising costs and funding cuts. When the government reopens, we will continue to host these events to help feed our community through the winter season.



Please direct anyone in our community seeking connection to resources and assistance to dial 2-1-1 or visit 211kc.org.



Thank you for helping us continue to serve our community!