Community Efforts to Support Families During Government Shutdown
As the government shutdown continues, many families in the Kansas City area are facing uncertainty about receiving their November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This situation has prompted local businesses and community organizations to step in and offer assistance to those in need.
One of the most notable efforts comes from Hy-Vee stores in the Kansas City metro region. These stores have introduced a special meal program to help alleviate hunger during this difficult time. From November 3 to 7, customers can enjoy a $3 hot meal for dine-in or carry-out, with kids 12 and under eating free. This initiative is open to everyone, not just SNAP recipients or federal employees affected by the shutdown.
“We’re not going to ask anybody about their financial situation because we just want to be able to help everybody in Kansas City,” said Karla Quandt, a Hy-Vee store director. She emphasized that the program is designed to support the entire community, especially during these challenging economic times.
Each night of the week, a different meal will be offered from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The meals include:
- Tuesday, Nov. 4: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Salad, and Garlic Bread
- Wednesday, Nov. 5: Chicken and Noodles with Mashed Potatoes
- Thursday, Nov. 6: Chili and a Cinnamon Roll
- Friday, Nov. 7: Sesame or Orange Chicken Rice Bowl
Quandt noted that the demand for these meals has been high, with over 500 meals prepared at the Shawnee Hy-Vee location on the first day of the program. “It was really brought to our attention at the end of last week, and I really think it is just reading the communities around us and knowing that there are folks in need heavily right now,” she explained.
The program has also received positive feedback from customers. Tamara Hill, a Hy-Vee customer, praised the initiative, saying, “It is a really nice thing to do and a really great way to give back. It makes it really convenient for parents after school and less mess at home, and it’s nice to have something that’s pretty reasonable to eat with them as well.”
In addition to the meal program, Hy-Vee is offering donation bags for customers who wish to support local food pantries. These $5 and $10 bundles include essential items such as canned vegetables and proteins. Staff members will deliver the donated items daily to food pantries across the region, helping to address the increased demand caused by the ongoing government shutdown.
Another local business, Cosentino’s, is also contributing to the effort. The company is providing free hot meals for children under 12 at several locations throughout the Kansas City metro area. The free meals are available from November 3 to 7, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the following stores:
- Cosentino’s Brookside Market – 14 W. 62nd Terrace, Kansas City, MO
- Cosentino’s Blue Hawk Market – 8051 W. 160th Street, Overland Park, Kan
- Cosentino’s Sun Fresh – 4001 Mill Street, Kansas City, MO
- Cosentino’s Price Chopper stores throughout the Kansas City metro area
The weekly menu includes:
- Tuesday: Beef Noodles with Roll
- Wednesday: Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit
- Thursday: BBQ Pulled Pork with Mac & Cheese
- Friday: Pasta and Meatball with Breadstick
These efforts highlight the strong sense of community in the Kansas City area, where local businesses are working together to support families during a time of uncertainty. As the government shutdown continues, such initiatives provide much-needed relief and demonstrate the power of collective action in addressing pressing social issues.
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