food insufficiency

Starting April 1, Texans won't be able to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to purchase "candy or sweetened drinks." Texas retailers and nonprofits have spent month preparing for the new restrictions — but some recipients may not know until they're checking out at the store.

Starting April 1, Texans will no longer be allowed to use food stamps to buy sweetened beverages and candy.

Gov. Laura Kelly originally refused to hand over the data, leading the federal government to threaten withholding SNAP funds. The governor said she received additional privacy guarantees for how the data will be used.

The governor opposes the bill despite one of its pieces meeting a policy priority.

A Kansas Senate committee is considering a bill to pressure Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration to comply with the federal government’s request for the data, including social security numbers. Kansas is one of more than 20 states rebuffing the request.

Last year, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed funding for a summer food assistance program despite Texas's high rates of food insecurity, citing concerns over matching federal funds. Advocates want the state to reconsider, highlighting concerns about how food insecurity rates are expected to increase when students are on summer break.

Under new requirements, "able-bodied" recipients could lose access to benefits for three years if they go three months without documenting working hours.

Oklahoma funds to support food banks will stop now that the federal government shutdown is over. Still, one food bank expects to use the money that arrived to distribute thousands of meal boxes to eligible individuals in the coming weeks.

The state paid out November benefits amid changing conditions in court.

Kansas City area school districts are connecting families with food, clothing and other resources after the federal shutdown exacerbated their financial strain.