With federal SNAP benefits currently postponed due to the ongoing government shutdown, local organizations are coming together to ensure Reno County families continue to have access to food and essential resources. United Way of Reno County convened a community meeting on October 29th, 2025 with more than a dozen agencies, nonprofits, and community partners to coordinate a local response and share the most up-to-date information available.
What We Know About SNAP and WIC Benefits in Reno County
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are both funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The shutdown, which began Oct. 1, has paused the issuance of new SNAP benefits until federal funding is restored.
WIC, which serves more than 1,100 local pregnant women, new moms, and children under age five, continues to operate in Reno County. Thanks to funding adjustments at the federal level, the Reno County Health Department has indicated that WIC benefits—including food packages and program operations—are expected to continue through November. Families are encouraged to keep their appointments and continue using their benefits as normal.
United Way has been in direct communication with the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and the Reno County Health Department. DCF has confirmed that it is continuing to process SNAP applications and renewals as usual. If federal funding resumes later in the month, November benefits are expected to be issued retroactively.
Local residents can stay informed through the DCF website, which is posting current updates about potential SNAP impacts.
Rising Local Need—Food Bank Seeing Increased Demand
Even before November SNAP benefits were delayed, the Food Bank of Reno County had already seen a significant rise in need. Over the past week, daily household visits increased from around 30 to about 42—a 40% jump.
To meet increased demand, the Food Bank identified three immediate needs:
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Food donations
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More volunteers, including support outside regular operating hours
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Extended hours of operation, which depend on additional volunteer capacity
Organizations at the meeting—including the City of Hutchinson, Salvation Army, and Everfull—offered support ranging from transportation to additional storage space for donated food.
“If we have the food, we will get it out,” said Food Bank Director Angela Penner, emphasizing their commitment to serving every household possible.
How the Community Can Help
With many households relying on SNAP to supplement their grocery budget, community support is more important than ever. Here are ways community members can help:
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Donate non-perishable food to the Reno County Food Bank
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Give financially to support food purchases and operational needs
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Volunteer during morning or afternoon shifts (contact the Food Bank directly)
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Participate in the upcoming Stuff the Truck event
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Friday, Nov. 7th
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9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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Dillons Marketplace, 3200 E. Plaza Drive
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United Way is also encouraging workplaces to host food or donation drives. Organizations needing assistance coordinating a drive can contact United Way directly.
Continuing the Conversation
Agencies will reconvene this week to continue coordinating support and sharing updates as the situation evolves.
As always, United Way encourages community members and organizations to confirm information specific to Reno County before sharing it publicly. Local circumstances often differ from national conversations, and United Way remains committed to verifying and distributing accurate, timely information.
United in Caring for Our Community
United Way of Reno County extends appreciation to every partner, volunteer, and donor stepping forward during this period of uncertainty. Together, our community continues to show what it means to care for one another—ensuring families have access to food, support, and hope when they need it most.