Food Assistance – Kansas

If you’re struggling to afford groceries or meals in Kansas, help is available. This page lists food assistance programs, food banks, and free meal resources across the state.

🥫 Food Assistance Programs

SNAP (Food Stamps)
Monthly grocery benefits for eligible households.

SNAP Online Purchasing (Use SNAP to Buy Groceries Online)

Some Kansas residents can use SNAP benefits to buy groceries online for pickup or delivery through approved retailers.

SNAP benefits can be used for eligible food items online.
Delivery fees and tips are usually not covered by SNAP

Some retailers offer promotions that can waive delivery or pickup fees—for example, Amazon and Walmart may have periodic fee waivers or free pickup options.
Fee waivers depend on the retailer’s own promotions and may vary by location.

Availability depends on location and retailer participation.

Check approved retailers through your SNAP account or local SNAP office

➡️ USDA SNAP Online Purchasing (Kansas eligibility)

WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
Food assistance for pregnant women and young children.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Cash assistance that may help cover food costs.

Food Help While Waiting for SNAP or WIC

Community Updates & Local Facebook Groups

Neighborhood or city Facebook groups may post same-day food distributions.

Churches and nonprofits sometimes announce pop-up meal events on social media.

Information can change quickly, so always verify details when possible

Local community Facebook pages and groups often share information about free meals, food pantries, and emergency food events.
For confirmed locations and hours, start with 211 or official food banks whenever possible.

WIC Food Benefits (How WIC Is Different From SNAP)

WIC is different from SNAP and is designed for pregnant women, new parents, and young children.

WIC provides specific approved foods, not general grocery money.
Benefits are used for items like milk, eggs, cereal, formula, fruits, and vegetables.
WIC foods must be purchased from approved stores.

If you need help beyond WIC foods, you may also qualify for SNAP or local food pantries.

Baby Formula & Infant Food Help

If you need baby formula or infant food right away, help may be available even if you are not enrolled in WIC.

Some food banks and pantries provide baby formula and infant food.
Community Action Agencies may offer emergency infant supplies.
Hospitals, clinics, and pregnancy resource centers may help in urgent situations.

Call 211 to find baby formula and infant food assistance near you

🍞 Food Banks & Pantries

➡️ Kansas Food Bank

Local food banks serving Kansas communities
Church and community food pantries
Mobile food pantry events
Availability and schedules vary by location.

🍽️ Free Meals

Soup kitchens and community meal programs
School meal programs for children
Senior meal programs

United Way 211 Kansas (Meal Finder)

Feeding Kansas (Statewide Network)

Kansas State Department of Education – Child Nutrition Programs

➡️ Covers:

Free & Reduced School Meals
Summer Food Service Program
School Breakfast & Lunch

USDA Summer Meals Finder (Kansas)

👵 Senior Meal Programs (Kansas)

Kansas Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)

Holiday & Seasonal Food Help

Extra food assistance may be available in Kansas during holidays and certain times of the year.

Holiday food baskets and meals may be offered by food banks, churches, and nonprofits.

Community Updates & Local Facebook Groups

Neighborhood or city Facebook groups may post same-day food distributions.

Churches and nonprofits sometimes announce pop-up meal events on social media.

Information can change quickly, so always verify details when possible

Local community Facebook pages and groups often share information about free meals, food pantries, and emergency food events.
For confirmed locations and hours, start with 211 or official food banks whenever possible.

Summer meal programs may provide free meals for children when school is out.

Availability and timing vary by location and season.

Call 211 or check with local food banks to find seasonal food programs near you.

⏱️ Need Food Right Now?

Call 211 to find food help near you
Visit a local food pantry as soon as possible
Apply for SNAP if eligible

No one should go hungry.

➡️ Food Help After Disasters - After Tornadoes, Floods, or Power Outages

If a disaster has disrupted your ability to buy or store food, extra help may be available in Kansas through disaster food programs and emergency meal services.

Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) may open after major disasters for eligible households.
Red Cross and local emergency partners may provide meals or food distribution after storms.
Local food banks often run emergency distribution events during disasters.
If you have no power, check food safety guidance and use free meal sites if available.

Call 211 to find current disaster food resources and distribution sites near you.

Food Safety During Power Outages

Power outages can make food unsafe quickly. Knowing what to keep and what to throw away can protect your health.

Refrigerated food is usually safe for about 4 hours without power if the door stays closed.
Frozen food can stay safe 24–48 hours if the freezer remains closed.
Throw away food with unusual smells, texture, or color.
When in doubt, throw it out and use free meal or pantry options.

If food is unsafe due to a power outage, use free meal programs or food pantries until power is restored.

➡️ Kansas Food Bank

➡️ Emergency Disaster Assistance in Kansas

Kansas Disaster Resources-

Food, Shelter, and recovery help during declared disasters.

Food availability and schedules vary by location. Start with local resources in your city or county for the fastest help.

Community Action Agencies
Local food banks and pantries
Churches and community centers
School meal programs

Call 211 to find food resources near you.

🔴 What Food Help Is Not Allowed to Ask For (Your Rights) 🔴

Your Rights When Getting Food Assistance

Many food assistance programs aim to reduce barriers so people can get help quickly.

Many food pantries do not require proof of income.
Some programs do not require identification, especially for emergency food.
Requirements can vary by location and program.

If you’re unsure what’s required, call ahead or contact 211 for guidance.

Food Assistance Laws & Rules (Federal + Kansas)

SNAP (food stamps) is federally authorized under the Food and Nutrition Act.

SNAP eligibility rules include income, work and asset limits.

Kansas implements SNAP through DCF with its own state eligibility adjustments.

SNAP benefits must be used for food and allowable items; taxes or fees cannot be added on EBT purchases.

WIC has separate federal eligibility rules focusing on women and young children.

For current legal eligibility rules in Kansas, contact the Kansas DCF Food Assistance office or visit their official website.

Avoid Food Assistance Scams

Scammers sometimes target people looking for food assistance.

SNAP and WIC offices do not charge fees to apply.

Be cautious of calls or messages asking for EBT numbers or PINs.

Use official websites or 211 to verify food assistance information.

If you suspect a scam, contact Kansas DCF or call 211 for guidance.

🌱 Food Growing & Garden Rules (Kansas)

Basic home gardening is usually allowed in Kansas, but local city rules may apply for front yards, fencing, structures, or animals. Always check local ordinances before building permanent setups.