The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) are two programs in Kansas that help to provide nutritious food and other assistance to low-income families.

The federal government has approved sweeping changes to the benefits available through those two programs.

I encourage our Midway District residents to apply now to receive the recently updated benefits. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can receive assistance.

Among the updates, households currently receiving SNAP benefits will receive the maximum monthly allotment for April and May.

In addition, due to the pandemic the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has temporarily waived work requirements and training required to receive food assistance. Certification periods for SNAP benefits have been increased from six months to 12 months for most households, and to 24 months for seniors and persons with disabilities.

But to receive the enhanced benefits, a household member must apply through the DCF self service center, which is available online at https://cssp.kees.ks.gov/apspssp/sspNonMed.portal. That site also lists eligibility requirements and a full list of benefits available.

In Kansas, SNAP-Ed is implemented through K-State Research and Extension, and its network of offices in every county. If you have questions on how to apply or with questions regarding SNAP-Ed please contact Midway Extension District.

If your family has children that qualify for free or reduced school lunches, apply now, even though school is not in session. This is especially important if a household member has lost a job or the household income has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local school districts will have information on how to apply for the free or reduced lunch program.

Jessica Kootz is the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in the Midway Extension District. For more information on this article or other Family and Consumer Sciences related questions, email Jessica at jessicak@ksu.edu or call a Midway Extension District office at (785) 472-4442 or (785) 483-3157.