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The recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill” in the U.S. House of Representatives has sparked concern among Kansas organizations addressing hunger.
The bill, which includes significant cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—formerly known as food stamps—could drastically impact low-income households.
While Republican supporters argue the measure will curb fraud and waste, local food pantries are preparing for a surge in demand.
Catholic Charities Responds to Legislative Changes
One of the groups monitoring the potential effects is Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, which serves 21 counties through its food pantries, including two in Wyandotte County (WyCo).
According to Denise Ogilvi, Chief Mission Integration Officer at Catholic Charities, “Wyandotte County has the lowest-income population we serve.” Nearly 18% of residents live below the poverty line, which is approximately $32,000 annually for a family of four in Kansas.
A Community Already in Crisis
The Catholic Charities’ pantry model is client-choice, offering visitors the feel of a grocery store. However, one location in downtown Kansas City, Kansas lies in a USDA-designated Food Desert, where access to affordable, nutritious food is limited.
This issue was exacerbated by the announcement that MERC Co+Op, a grocery store serving downtown KCK, will cease operations in December 2025.
“It was essential to this community,” said Paula Flattery-Aaron, a local resident and member of the Strawberry Hill Neighborhood Association. “We only have one grocery store on 18th Street; everything else is too far west.”
The USDA defines a Food Desert as an area where at least 20% of the population lives in poverty or family income is below 80% of the median, and where 500 people or 33% of residents live more than one mile from a large grocery store (or 10 miles in rural areas).
Rising Demand and Diminishing Resources
In 2024, Catholic Charities’ food pantries recorded 150,000 visits. In just the first half of 2025, visits have already reached 175,000—a sign of escalating need. Ogilvi emphasized, “If you’re barely managing rent on $32,000, food assistance becomes crucial.”
The new legislation is expected to slash $230 billion from SNAP over the next ten years. Additionally, states will be required to cover at least 5% of SNAP costs by 2028, shifting some financial burden from the federal government.
Currently, SNAP is entirely federally funded through the long-overdue Farm Bill, which also covers 80% of its budget for nutrition programs like SNAP.
New Work Requirements Add Pressure
Another controversial component of the bill is the expansion of work requirements for SNAP recipients.
The age limit would increase from 54 to 64, and parents with children over six years old would also be required to meet work standards. Only those with dependent children at home would remain exempt.
Ogilvi points out the limitations of food pantries in meeting community needs. “Most people only visit us once a month,” she said. “SNAP provides nine meals for every one that we can offer.”
Looking Ahead: Solutions and Support
As the demand continues to rise, Catholic Charities is actively assessing its response. The organization is collecting community data to determine whether to expand operations, increase funding, or open new food pantry locations.
“We’ll do what we can to ensure our doors remain open,” said Ogilvi. “Nonprofits alone can’t bridge the entire gap.”
With the passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill” and looming SNAP benefit reductions, Wyandotte County’s food insecurity is expected to worsen.
Organizations like Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas are stepping up efforts, but stress that long-term solutions require sustained support, both from government and community partners. The challenge now is ensuring that no family goes hungry as policies shift.