Hailey
Kansas state leaders are in a serious clash with the federal government over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has demanded personal data of SNAP recipients, including Social Security numbers, birthdates, and home addresses.
Kansas leaders have refused to provide this information, arguing that it violates privacy, is costly, and could put sensitive data at risk. Now, the federal government is threatening to cut off funding, creating uncertainty for thousands of Kansas families who depend on SNAP benefits.
What Is SNAP and Why the Data Fight Matters
The SNAP program provides food assistance to low-income households. In 2024, Kansas families received $408 million in SNAP benefits, making it one of the most important programs in the state.
The USDA now wants states like Kansas to send detailed information about every SNAP recipient to create a national database. This database could be shared with other federal agencies, but Kansas officials argue that it is unclear who will access it and whether data will remain safe.
For families depending on this money for groceries, the fight could mean delays in payments or even a loss of funding.
Kansas’ Main Objections
Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Laura Howard has been vocal about why the state cannot meet the USDA’s demands.
- High Costs: Collecting and preparing the data could cost around $100,000.
- Technology Challenges: The current secure transfer system is not built to handle such a massive dataset.
- Resource Strain: Kansas officials argue the request would take months to complete and would use up significant state resources.
- Privacy Concerns: There is no clear protection over who can access the sensitive personal information once it enters the federal database.
Howard stated, “Providing this magnitude of data could take months and come with a hefty price tag.”
Federal Response – The USDA’s Position
The USDA, led by Secretary Brooke Rollins, insists that Kansas must comply. In May 2025, Kansas refused the first request, and since then, the USDA has escalated its pressure.
In a letter sent last week, the USDA gave Kansas until August 15, 2025 to show “adequate progress” toward the data collection. The letter also warned that if Kansas does not comply, the state could lose federal administrative funding for SNAP.
Political and Legal Battle
This issue has now become a political fight in Kansas:
- Governor Laura Kelly joined a lawsuit with other states, arguing that the USDA has no legal right to demand this information.
- Republicans in Kansas, including Rep. Dan Hawkins, argue that refusing to hand over the data puts millions of dollars at risk.
- Attorney General Kris Kobach is reviewing whether the Governor has the legal authority to refuse the request. He admitted that the federal government does have power to cut funds if Kansas does not comply.
The fight is now headed to court, and until the lawsuit is decided, Kansas leaders want to delay sharing any data.
SNAP Error Rates – The Facts
Some lawmakers have accused Kansas of mismanaging the program, claiming the error rate (mistakes in processing SNAP applications) is 12%. However, official USDA reports show the actual error rate is 9.98%.
This number represents mistakes in paperwork or approvals, not fraud. Still, federal officials argue that more data could help improve program accuracy.
Impact on Kansas Families
If the USDA withholds funding, Kansas families could face disruptions in SNAP benefits. While the program provides $408 million annually, losing federal administrative support could slow down payments and reduce customer service capacity.
This means longer wait times, delayed applications, and stress for families already struggling with the rising cost of living.
Kansas SNAP Data Dispute
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Federal Agency Involved | U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
| Kansas State Agency | Department for Children and Families (DCF) |
| Requested Data | SSNs, birthdates, addresses, full SNAP user details |
| Estimated Cost | Around $100,000 |
| Kansas SNAP Benefits (2024) | $408 million |
| USDA Deadline | August 15, 2025 |
| Legal Status | Kansas joined multi-state lawsuit |
The Kansas SNAP data dispute is about more than just paperwork — it’s a battle over privacy, cost, and government power. While the federal government wants a detailed database of SNAP recipients, Kansas leaders are standing firm, saying the request is too expensive, too risky, and possibly illegal.
With a lawsuit pending, the future of SNAP funding in Kansas remains uncertain. For now, families depending on this support are caught in the middle, waiting to see if their food assistance will remain safe.