Sunflower Foundation recently joined three other Kansas health philanthropies – the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, Kansas Health Foundation and REACH Healthcare Foundation – in contributing a combined $381,000 to Kansas food banks and community pantries in support of local and statewide efforts to fight food insecurity.
The contribution comes in the wake of the recent government shutdown, which disrupted funding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and increased what already was a growing number of Kansans in need.
“Kansans are struggling to put food on their tables right now, and it’s important we help where we can in the short term,” said David Jordan, Health Ministry Fund president and CEO. “While philanthropy can play a role in the current crisis, it can’t fulfill the role of government. The need is far too great.”
With food banks and pantries struggling to meet the demand heading into the holiday season – typically their busiest time of year – foundation leaders agreed it was a critical time to act.
“Food banks and their dedicated network of partners do remarkable work every day to keep Kansans fed,” said Brandon Skidmore, president and CEO of Sunflower Foundation. “Our support is meant to reinforce that network as it responds to extraordinary demand during this challenging time.”
Click below to read the full media release issued by the four foundations.