Potential SNAP Interruption Could Increase Food Insecurity in Douglas County
Heartland Care Cupboard preparing to meet increased need
The Kansas Department for Children and Families announced that November SNAP food assistance benefits could be delayed or paused if the federal government shutdown continues past October 28. SNAP supports nearly 188,000 Kansans each month, including families right here in Douglas County.
A disruption at the beginning of the holiday season would put additional stress on food resources at the same time schools are closed for multiple days and children lose access to school meals.
Local response
To help close local food gaps, Heartland Community Health Center operates the Care Cupboard at 1312 W 6th Street. The Care Cupboard is open to Heartland patients and to anyone in the community who needs food support. It operates in partnership with Just Food and other local food sources to keep nutritious staples available for neighbors who are struggling.
“We are already seeing more people ask for basics like pasta, rice, vegetables and protein,” said Karen Lewis, Care Cupboard Coordinator. “If SNAP benefits are delayed, we expect that number to rise quickly. We want to be ready, but that depends on the community helping us stock the shelves.”
Most-needed donation items right now
The Care Cupboard is requesting shelf-stable foods with good nutritional value. High-priority items include:
- Cereal and hot cereal
- Peanut butter
- Soup and ready-to-eat meals
- Meal mixes such as Hamburger Helper, mac and cheese, Knorr pasta or rice pouches
- Assorted canned vegetables
- Holiday sides such as stuffing, boxed potatoes, canned yams, cranberry sauce and gravy
Organize a drive or assemble meal kits
Heartland is inviting community groups and workplaces to support neighbors through food collection or by assembling holiday meal kits.
Groups may also host themed collection days or weeks such as:
- PB and J Week
- Soup and Crackers Week
- Holiday Sides Week
- Breakfast Items Week
If your group is interested in hosting a collection, we will provide drop-off instructions and suggested shopping lists.
Where to donate
Donations can be dropped off at Heartland Community Health Center
1312 W 6th Street, Lawrence at the Care Cupboard entrance,
Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Financial contributions that support bulk purchasing are also welcome.
Karen emphasized that any contribution matters. “One grocery bag or one case of soup can be the difference between someone going without or having what they need.”
In September 2025 there were 980 shopping visits to the Care Cupboard, representing 932 unique individuals from the community. This activity was up 6.5 percent from the previous month.
“When shelves go empty the people who feel it first are children and seniors who simply have nothing left to stretch,” Karen said.
Welcoming All Who Need Care
Heartland Community Health Center provides comprehensive, compassionate care to individuals and families, regardless of income or insurance status.
Services include:
Primary care
Mental and behavioral health
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Dental care
Pharmacy
Wraparound support services
A sliding fee scale is available based on income, and new patients and walk-ins are welcome. No one is turned away due to inability to pay.
