Across the Kansas City region, thousands of families and young people are experiencing uncertainty due to the temporary lapse in federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the expiration of the SNAP waiver for former foster youth, both effective November 1.

At Cornerstones of Care, we want to provide clarity, compassion, and connection during this time

Understanding What’s Happening

Two overlapping events are impacting access to food assistance this month:

1. End of SNAP Waiver for Foster Youth (Federal Legislation):
   As of November 1, foster youth who have aged out of care will no longer automatically qualify for SNAP under the previous waiver. They must now meet traditional income and eligibility requirements, which may cause delays or denials of benefits for some young adults transitioning to independence.
2. Federal Funding Lapse Affecting SNAP Nationwide:
   Due to the ongoing federal budget impasse, distribution of SNAP benefits has been temporarily disrupted nationwide, impacting families, individuals, and caregivers who rely on this critical program for food security.

Together, these changes create a compounded crisis for foster families, alumni of care, and low-income households already facing barriers to stability.

How Cornerstones of Care Is Responding

We are taking proactive steps to support both foster and non-foster families served through our programs in Kansas and Missouri by:

• Connecting families to immediate local food resources in partnership with United Way 2-1-1, ensuring that every youth and caregiver can be matched to nearby food pantries, community meals, and emergency assistance.
• Collaborating with regional food banks and nonprofit partners, including Harvesters, Catholic Charities, and Community Services League, to coordinate food donations and direct support to our client families.
• Working with state and local partners to ensure foster care case managers, independent living staff, and family support specialists have up-to-date information to guide clients through re-enrollment or alternative assistance applications.
• Encouraging community members to get involved through donations or volunteering with local food security initiatives such as United Way’s Snap Into Action campaign.

Where to Find Immediate Food Assistance

If you or someone you know is in need of food or basic needs support, please reach out to:

• United Way 2-1-1 (Kansas & Missouri):
  Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211kc.org for personalized, 24/7 referrals to food pantries, community meals, and emergency financial assistance near you.
• Harvesters—The Community Food Network:
  harvesters.org | 816-929-3000
  (Provides food pantry locator and emergency food distribution schedules.)
• Community Services League (Eastern Jackson County):
  cslcares.org | 816-254-4100
• Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph:
  catholiccharities-kcsj.org | 816-221-4377
• Avenue of Life (Wyandotte County):
  avenueoflife.org | 913-281-8255
• Cross-Lines Community Outreach (Kansas City, KS):
  cross-lines.org | 913-281-3388
• Jewish Family Services Kansas City Food Pantry:
  jfskc.org | 913-327-8250
• St. James Church KC 
  sjumckc.org | 816-802-8234

A Call to Community

Now is a moment for our community to come together in compassion and action.

You can help by:

• Donating to United Way’s SNAP Into Action Fund — 100% of proceeds provide local meal kits and grocery support.
• Hosting a food drive through your business, congregation, or civic group.
• Volunteering with local food pantries or Cornerstones of Care partners to help ensure no youth or family goes hungry.

At Cornerstones of Care, we remain steadfast in our mission to partner for safe and healthy communities — ensuring that every child, family, and young adult has the nourishment, stability, and care they need to thrive.

For more information or to connect a family to assistance, please contact your Cornerstones of Care program representative or visit cornerstonesofcare.org.