TOPEKA (KSNT) – The United Way of Kaw Valley reportedly brought almost 135,000 pounds of food to local families in need during a recent lapse of federal funding to a food security program.
United Way announced in a press release on April 1 the results of its recent campaign to keep local families fed during the 2025 government shutdown. The organization worked together with local officials to connect 25,000 people with nearly 135,000 pounds of food when funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) temporarily stopped.
The City of Topeka, Topeka Fire Department and multiple other local groups worked together with United Way last year during the “Oh SNAP!” fundraiser to compensate for the lack of funding from the federal government. Around 15,000 people in Shawnee County were immediately impacted by the loss in SNAP funding last year, according to United Way.
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“This doesn’t happen in every community,” said Brett Martin, vice president of Community Impact for United Way of Kaw Valley. “We are so very fortunate to have partners that say yes, even before a plan is fully formed.”
Dozens of donors, along with individuals and corporate partners, contributed to the 2025 Oh SNAP! fundraiser, allowing United Way to invest more than $210,000 to help keep people fed. Over 25,000 people across 12 counties benefited from the Oh SNAP! campaign. You can read the full campaign report online by clicking here.
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