People with disabilities are disproportionately affected by the current lack of flexibility in Kansas’ food assistance programs. Thankfully, Governor Kelly and the Department of Children and Families can do a lot more to ensure that SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) works better for Kansans, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.  By signing the open letter at the end of this email, you will send a message to Governor Kelly urging her to request waivers from the USDA to create this much needed flexibility!   

The Disability Rights Center of Kansas supports Kansas Appleseed in urging Governor Kelly and the Department for Children and Families to follow the lead of other states and request the following four waivers from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA):

• The Online Purchasing Program allows for online grocery shopping with SNAP food assistance. States across the country are opting into the SNAP online purchasing program in May and June including states like Missouri, Iowa, Texas, and Idaho. Eight other states–like Nebraska, Alabama, and Kentucky–are already operating the program.
• The Restaurant Meal Program allows persons who are elderly, have a disability, or are experiencing homelessness to purchase prepared meals from participating restaurants. The program currently operates in Arizona, Rhode Island, Illinois, and California. States and advocates are requesting the USDA expand this program to new states.
• The Hot Prepared Food Waiver allows the purchase of more ready-to-eat food items during times of disaster. Many governors have asked USDA for the aid and flexibility a Declaration of Individual Assistance and Disaster-SNAP would offer.
• The Elderly Simplified Application Project would increase participation among eligible seniors by streamlining the application and certification process. States like Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina have already implemented different aspects of this project.

Help all Kansans, including but not limited to Kansans with disabilities, stay safe while receiving food assistance. Sign this open letter to urge Governor Kelly and the Department for Children and Families to request these additional USDA waivers.