A little-known aspect of federal welfare reform is bringing about a large increase in the amount of emergency food available to low-income Kansans across the state. The increase reverses a trend of significant budget cuts for the emergency food program during the previous three years and is designed to shore up the safety net under welfare reform.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program provides low-income individuals with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food commodities for home use. This year, under provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, the USDA significantly increased the amount of commodities made available.

Commodities are provided by the USDA through the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. SRS sends the commodities to local helping agencies for direct distribution to people who need them. (A list of local distribution agencies in Wichita is attached.)

Among foods being distributed are canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, and rice. This year, about five times the value of food items is being made available over last year.

Commodities are available to families whose gross income is at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty line. For a family of three with an income of $1,407 per month or below would be eligible to receive commodities. Eligible recipients of food commodities must pick up their food from the nearest distributing agency.

The USDA purchases the food for the commodities program from processors and warehouses. A network of organizations and volunteers is maintained by coordinators in 12 SRS offices across the state. About 227 organizations and many volunteers distribute the food.

For more information, contact the local helping agency or the local SRS office.

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001