United Way Campaign Brings 135,000 Pounds of Food During SNAP Shutdown

The United Way of Kaw Valley mobilized dozens of partners to maintain food access across 12 counties.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In response to the federal government's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit shutdown in late 2025, the United Way of Kaw Valley (UWKV) and LiveWell Shawnee County launched an emergency 'Oh SNAP' campaign that brought in nearly 135,000 pounds of food to serve over 25,000 people across 12 counties in Kansas.

Why it matters

The SNAP benefit shutdown immediately impacted 15,000 people in Shawnee County who relied on the program. The United Way and its partners were able to quickly mobilize resources and distribution networks to maintain food access in the community during this crisis.

The details

UWKV and LiveWell Shawnee County co-convened an emergency meeting with over 50 organizations to coordinate a response. Due to pre-existing relationships through LiveWell's food pantry group, the partners were able to rapidly develop strategies and distribute food through 20-24 spoke pantries each week during the 5-week core distribution period from November 10 to December 12. Overall, UWKV invested $212,333.53 to keep people fed during the campaign.

  • The federal government shutdown occurred in late October 2025.
  • The 'Oh SNAP' campaign's core distribution period ran from November 10 to December 12, 2025.

The players

United Way of Kaw Valley (UWKV)

A nonprofit organization that mobilized resources and coordinated a community-wide response to the SNAP benefit shutdown.

LiveWell Shawnee County

A community health coalition in Topeka and Shawnee County that co-convened the emergency response meeting and had pre-existing relationships with food pantry groups.

Brett Martin

The Vice President of Community Impact for UWKV.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This doesn't happen in every community. We are so very fortunate to have partners that say yes, even before a plan is fully formed.”

— Brett Martin, Vice President of Community Impact, United Way of Kaw Valley

The takeaway

The United Way's swift and collaborative response to the SNAP benefit shutdown demonstrates the power of pre-existing community partnerships and the ability of local organizations to quickly mobilize resources to address urgent food insecurity issues. This model of coordination and distribution could serve as a blueprint for other communities facing similar crises.