Category Archives: Food

Food, Government

2025 Federal Government Shutdown Updated on 11/7/2025.

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2025 Federal Government Shutdown

Last Updated on 11/7/2025.

Shana McClure [DCF] <[email protected]>
The following is now posted on the DCF public website at:  https://www.dcf.ks.gov/Agency/Pages/2025-Federal-Government-Shutdown.aspx.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) continues monitoring developments with the federal government shutdown. We will add updates to this page as we receive guidance from federal partners or there are impacts to programs.

 

Kansans are also encouraged to follow DCF on social media and subscribe to DCF’s newsletter, DCF Direct, for agency updates and information.

 

SNAP Benefits

 

Update from Nov. 7: Today, DCF issued full November benefits to Kansans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Assistance. Beneficiaries should have access to their full benefits by the end of the day on Friday, Nov. 7. All current Kansas beneficiaries will receive benefits on Nov. 7 instead of the typical monthly issuances that are staggered over a 10-day period according to last name.

 

Kansans should call 1-800-997-6666, the number on the back of their EBT card, to check on those benefits, and the pending benefits information should be provided. EBT card users should download and use ebtEDGE app to track and protect their benefits. Find the ebtEDGE app in your app store and at the web portal: https://www.ebtedge.com/gov/portal/PortalHome.do. The FIS ebtEDGE app is completely free to use and provides protective features like blocking out-of-state purchases and card freezing.

 

The total November benefit distribution was more than $31.6 million to approximately 86,000 Kansas households.

Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott

Food Resources By The Family Strong Project

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  • Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Elks Lodge — Thursday, Nov 27 2025 from 11:30 AM–1:30 PM at 111 W. 19th St., Fort Scott. free-will donation, delivery and drive-through options
  • The Beacon Food Pantry (often called “The Beacon”) in Fort Scott, KS:
    • Address: 525 E. 6th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.
    • Phone: 620-223-6869
    • Regular Hours:
      • Monday, Tuesday, Wed. and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m
      • Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: Closed

    Submitted by Pamela Thompson, M.S. 

 

SE Kansas IRIS Network Data and Systems Manager

Cell: 620-249-1490

https://1800childrenks.org/   IT’S FREE nationwide resources

SE Kansas Outreach Additional resources for families in SE Kansas

Kansas Data Critical Data for the State of Kansas

LinkTree Links for Crawford County Core

Facebook page For Crawford County Core Community program

Youth Core Ministries Our parent organization

Youtube Bourbon County Our sister program in Ft. Sco

Bourbon County, Food

Bourbon County Food Drive to Support Local Families in Need

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Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office is located at 104 N. National. Phone: 620.224.2563

 

The annual Bourbon County Food Drive is underway, running through November 17th, to collect non-perishable food and hygiene items for families in need across the county.

 

This year’s effort is championed by Fort Scott Middle School teacher Lori Nelsen and supported by Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s (HBCAT) Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), led by Aura Brillhart. The project brings together students, schools, and community partners to ensure that no one in Bourbon County goes hungry this holiday season.

 

Community Collection Sites

 

Donation boxes are available at:

Union State Bank, Fort Scott Branch • City State Bank • Citizens Bank • Kansas Teachers Credit Union • CHCSEK • Fort Scott City Hall • Buck Run Community Center • Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center • Community Christian Church • United Methodist Church • Christian Heights

 

Participating businesses and organizations are asked to deliver their collection boxes to the Fort Scott Middle School front office on the morning of Monday, November 17th. If needed, donations can also be dropped off the morning of Tuesday, November 18th at the Fort Scott Middle School.

 

All food donations will be collected at Fort Scott Middle School. Members of the Fort Scott Middle School Student Council and the Kansas Association for Family and Community Education (FCE) will assist with sorting, checking expiration dates, and organizing the donations.

 

On November 19th and 20th, the FCE group will deliver the items from the middle school to food pantries and blessing boxes across Bourbon County — including The Beacon, Fort Scott High School and Middle School food closets, the Fort Scott Community College Food Pantry, Uniontown Schools, and community blessing boxes.

 

Middle School Contest

 

To inspire participation, Fort Scott Middle School will hold a friendly contest among classes to see which group can collect the most food donations. This initiative teaches students the value of service, teamwork, and giving back to their community.

 

Suggested Donation Items

 

Dry beans (2 lb Pinto, Navy, or Great Northern), soup, tuna, ramen noodles, granola bars, instant potatoes, pasta and sauce, pancake mix and syrup, canned fruits and vegetables, mac & cheese, peanut butter and jelly, Spaghetti O’s, chili with beans, cereal, pasta noodles, hygiene products, and cash or check donations.

 

All donations will be distributed to local food pantries and blessing boxes throughout Bourbon County to support families during the holiday season.

 

About Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)

 

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Community, dedicated to improving health, economic vitality, and overall quality of life across the region. Through partnerships, education, and local action, HBCAT continues to connect resources and mobilize efforts that create a healthier, more equitable community for all.

 

Together, we can make sure every family in Bourbon County has access to the food and care they deserve.

 

Contact:

Aura Brillhart – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)

[email protected]

| 620-224-2563 ext. 5

 

Lori Nelsen – Fort Scott Middle School

[email protected]

 

Jody Love – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

[email protected]

Food, Government

November SNAP Payments Statement

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Kansas Department for Children and Families Issues Statement on USDA’s Court Filing Announcing the Decision to Make Reduced November SNAP Payments

TOPEKA – In a federal court filing on Monday, Nov. 3, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it plans to send out partial SNAP benefits in November using the SNAP contingency fund. The filing said the USDA will first send each state official notice showing how much each existing SNAP household should receive. Right now, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has not received this information. Once it does, DCF will determine next steps to issue the partial payments and communicate when Kansas SNAP recipients can expect to receive them.

More information will be shared as it becomes available. To keep Kansans updated, DCF has created a webpage on its website, dcf.ks.gov, with information about the government shutdown and impacts to DCF programs. The page includes a list of questions and answers and will be updated as new information becomes available.

Help for Kansans

For Kansans in need of additional support, Kansas Food Source, kansasfoodsource.org, and Harvesters.org provide locations of food banks and food pantries across the state. Other non-state entities helping connect Kansans to resources in their community include: the United Way’s 211 hotline or website, 211.org; 1-800-CHILDREN, 1800childrenks.com;  Unite Kansas, uniteus.com/networks/kansas/get-help; and FindHelp, findhelp.org.

The loss of federal funding places additional stress on Kansas food banks, pantries, and meals programs, which are already strained to meet the needs of those who utilize them. Kansans wishing to help their local food resources can find those locations on the Kansas Food Source website, kansasfoodsource.org.

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Area News, Food

SEKAAA is Awarded Community Foundation Grant of SEK for 60+ Nutrition Program.

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The Community Foundation of SEK awarded a grant to SEKAAA 60+ Nutrition Program to purchase silverware, bowls, and drinking cups for dining participants. “The number of people coming to our meals sites have grown in the last year, and we added a meal site in Fort Scott, which caused the good problem of needing more tableware”, said Tabitha Torres, SEKAAA Nutrition Coordinator. “Our participants really like the upgrade. It enhances the dining experience.”

Individuals 60 and older can receive a meal at any of the SEKAAA meal sites that are located throughout the SEKAAA 9-county service area. Participants must call at least 24 hours prior and there is a requested donation of $2 per meal. Inability to pay does not prevent the person from receiving a meal. For more information about the SEKAAA 60+ Nutrition program people can call 620-431-2980 or go to www.sekaaa.com.

“It becomes so much more that getting a health meal,” Kathy Brennon, SEKAAA Executive Director, “they develop friendships and encourage each other.”

About SEKAAA
The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging is committed to improving the quality of life for older adults and their families through advocacy, education, and access to community resources. Serving 9 counties in Southeast Kansas, SEKAAA provides services that promote independence, dignity, and well-being.

Food, Fort Scott

Taco Tuesday’s! VFW members and guests are welcome

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Sending on behalf of Chamber member

Fort Scott

VFW Post 1165
The Fort Scott VFW Post 1165 invites you to enjoy

Taco Tuesday’s!

All members and their guests are welcome every Tuesday!

6pm

1745 S. National Ave.

Minimum 3/$5

$1.50/ea. after

ToGo orders available for

.50 cent fee

(6 taco minimum)

Click HERE for the Fort Scott

VFW Post 1165 Facebook Page!

A special thank you to our

2025 Chamber Champion members!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
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Food, Government

If Federal Government Shut Down Continues, SNAP Benefits For November Are In Question

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Kansas Department for Children and Families Shares Update on Status of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Amid Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has received a letter from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. That letter to all states says that if a lapse in funding, caused by the shutdown, continues, there will not be enough money to pay full SNAP benefits for November.

The letter directs agencies to hold off on processing November benefits until further notice. Until a budget agreement or continuing resolution is reached at the federal level, or the federal government identifies a funding pathway, November SNAP benefits may be delayed or interrupted entirely. If no federal action is taken by October 28, 2025, November SNAP benefits will not be disbursed until the federal government reaches a resolution.

SNAP provides benefits for approximately 42 million people across the country. That includes a total distribution of more than $34.4 million to more than 93,000 Kansas households – nearly 188,000 Kansans – who depend on SNAP each month to help put food on their tables.

Impact on Kansans

This potential interruption in benefits comes at the start of the holiday season – an already busy time for food banks and food pantries helping people in need and when many children have days off from school without access to school meals.

DCF is monitoring the situation closely and is exploring what this may mean for Kansans. November benefits for current SNAP recipients are set to begin processing on October 28 and appearing on Kansas Benefits Cards beginning November 1-10 on an established staggered schedule based on last names. If an agreement is not reached by October 28, benefits could be delayed or suspended until the shutdown has ended.

“As soon as an agreement is reached or the federal government finds an alternative funding source, and DCF receives approval from FNS, we are prepared to act quickly with contracting partners to get benefits out to Kansans,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “Depending on the timing of the approval, DCF and its partners could have benefits available on cards within 72 hours.”

October SNAP benefits were distributed as planned. At this time, SNAP recipients should continue using their October benefits as normal. SNAP recipients should continue meeting program requirements, including reporting required changes and completing recertifications.

DCF is continuing to process SNAP applications as usual. Applications can be accessed online at dcf.ks.gov or by visiting a local DCF service center. A map with service center locations can be found on dcf.ks.gov.

What happens next?

DCF is closely monitoring the impact the federal government shutdown is having on programs and services the agency delivers and will provide updates through its various communication channels as this situation evolves. Information about federal shutdown impacts on DCF programs and services is available at dcf.ks.gov.

Help for Kansans

For Kansans in need of additional support, Kansas Food Source, kansasfoodsource.org, and Harvesters.org provide locations of food banks and food pantries across the state. The United Way’s 211 hotline or website, 211.org, and 1-800-CHILDREN, 1800childrenks.com, also connects Kansans to resources in their communities.

The loss of federal funding places additional stress on Kansas food banks, pantries and meals programs, which are already strained to meet the needs of those who utilize them. Kansans wishing to help their local food resources can find those locations on the Kansas Food Source website, kansasfoodsource.org.

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Bourbon County, Food, Government

WIC Food Benefit Disruptions Are Possible Because of Federal Shut-Down

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The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department is located between 6th and Lowman Streets and 6th and Horton Streets. It is the location of the local WIC program in our community.

The U.S. Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding the government beginning on October 1, 2025.

WIC is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, and it is affected by the shutdown.  The local health agency is advising WIC users to stock up on food and other items to prepare for this lack of federal funding.

WIC is available for income-eligible pregnant and postpartum women, breastfeeding moms, and children under five (up to their fifth birthday). Dads, grandparents, foster parents, and anyone raising kids under five can apply for support for the kids in their care.

The local WIC Clinic is part of the SEK Multi-County Health Department,  and is located at 6th and Lowman Streets in Fort Scott.

From a press release from the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department:

WIC may operate short-term in Kansas by using limited prior-year federal funding.

There is a risk that WIC benefits will be paused, reduced, or ceased.

WIC Food benefits are estimated to last until the end of October, but that can’t be assured.

Users are encouraged to buy shelf-ready healthy food and/or items the family uses at this time, balancing food safety and storage areas available.

Local food banks, pantries, and non-profit groups may be of assistance if WIC benefits are temporarily disrupted.

WIC users are encouraged to continue using their benefits and attending appointments, but call 24 hours before, to verify the office is open, 620.223.4464.

If the WIC clinic closes due to lack of funding, contact the Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment at 785-296-2683 for assistance.

The press release asks that users consider letting their elected U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt, and Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran know how important WIC is to their family and urge them to restore funding.

To reach elected representatives:

President Donald Trump has no phone number to leave comments on; however, the address is 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.

Schmidt can be reached at 202.225.6601 or 1223 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D. C. 20515.

Marshal: 202.224.4774 or PO Box 1588, Great Bend, KS 67530

Moran: 620.232.2286 or PO Box 1372, Pittsburg, KS 66762

 

The maximum income to qualify for WIC:
Household Size Annual Monthly
Family of 2 $39,128 $3,261
Family of 3 $49,303 $4,109
Family of 4 $59,478 $4,957
Family of 5 $69,653 $5,805

5 more rows

•
May 5, 2025

WIC Eligibility Requirements – USDA Food and Nutrition Service

 

USDA Food and Nutrition Service (.gov)
https://www.fns.usda.gov › wic › applicant-participant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Area News, Food, Fort Scott

Heartland awards $30,000 through Concern for Community grant program

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The Beacon Food Pantry, Fort Scott, receives $5,000 grant.

The Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative Board of Directors has selected six projects throughout the co-op’s service area for funding through the Concern for Community grant program. A total of $30,000 will be awarded.

“We look forward to working with some outstanding partners to put these funds to work for the good of Heartland members and their communities,” said Mark Scheibe, Heartland CEO.

This year, six applications out of 68 received were approved for funding by the Heartland board. Projects selected are as follows:

  • Kansas State Historical Society – $5,000 for restoration work at the Marais des Cygnes Massacre State Historic Site, including electricity and water infrastructure upgrades and interactive interpretive signage.
  • Linn County Fair Association – $5,000 to install an intercom system across the fairgrounds to improve communication and safety for visitors during the county fair and other events.
  • Moran Youth Recreation – $5,000 to help build a 9-hole disc golf course and install permanent cornhole boards at the Moran City Park.
  • Beacon Food Pantry (Fort Scott) – $5,000 for critical lighting system upgrades to improve safety and visibility for volunteers and families served.
  • Cherokee County 4-H Council – $5,000 to replace original 1991 windows in the 4-H Building, improving energy efficiency for this important community hub.
  • Walnut Community Service Organization – $5,000 for upgrades to Walnut Softball Fields, including infield improvements, dugout repairs, batting cage enclosure, and restroom accessibility upgrades.

As a non-profit, member-owned cooperative, Heartland issues capital credits to members each year, but sometimes those credits go unclaimed. Because those monies were intended to be returned to the communities from which they came, Heartland’s Board of Directors decided to use unclaimed funds for community grants and started the Concern for Community program in 2019.

The Concern for Community program provides grants of up to $5,000 for capital improvement projects throughout the Heartland service area, which covers parts of 12 counties in eastern Kansas. Capital improvement projects are those that involve investment in structures or equipment that will last for many years.

Applications were accepted from June 1–July 31 and selected by the Heartland Board of Directors at their September 22 meeting. Heartland plans to reopen applications in summer 2026 for the next round of funding.

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. powers rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes members in 12 counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.

 

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Annual Blues Festival is Sept. 26-27 in Fort Scott

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Blues Music weekend is here.

The weekend of Sept. 26-27, the Care to Share Fortfest25 will be at Riverfront Park on North National Avenue in Fort Scott.

The event is free, but donations are accepted for Care to Share, a local helping organization for cancer survivors and their families.

“The kids’ fair will be bigger than ever with bouncy houses and more games,” said an organizer, Cory Bryers. “It’s all new bands with the same format as previous years. New this year is that the bike show and car show are the same day, Saturday, Sept. 27.”

A transplant from the Kansas City area, Bryers started this event in September 2022 on his property. Blues Festival Coming to Fort Scott Sept. 24. He and his wife, Cecelia, are Blues Music fans and moved to the area in 2021.

Cory and wife Cecelia Bryers. Submitted photo.

Friday evening, there will be performances starting at 6 p.m. by Bridget and Her Bandoliers from the K.C. area, followed by The Spooklights from Southwest Missouri.

On Saturday, there will be performances starting at 1 p.m.by Meaza Joy from Washington, MO; Martin and the Dead Guys from Florida and Independence, KS; Amanda Fish, Nashville; and Randy McAllister, Texas.

Saturday morning will be a car show, followed by a bike show. Saturday afternoon will be the kids’ fair, arts and crafts fair, food and drink, and of course, Blues Music.

Riverside Park is located by the Marmaton River and has lots of shade trees, so bring your family and friends, along with chairs/blankets/bug spray, AND a donation to Care to Share. Small coolers are welcome.

Care to Share is a well-known and respected organization that helps local cancer survivors and their families with needs they may have in their battle with the disease.

 

Blues singers entertain during the Fort Fest 23 event.
Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

FortFest 25 Is September 26-27 at Riverfront Park

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Care to Share

Cancer Support Group

Care to Share invites you to their
FortFest 25

September 26-27th, 2025

at Riverfront Park

FortFest 25 is happening September 26–27th at Riverfront Park in Fort Scott, KS! This fun-filled weekend offers free admission, live music, and exciting activities for all ages—all in support of the Care to Share Cancer Support Group.

🌟 Admission is FREE, and all donations go directly to support the Care to Share Cancer Support Group. Help us celebrate community, music, and giving back at this special 25th anniversary event.

🎶 Friday Night – Sept 26

Kick off the weekend with amazing live blues music:

  • 6 PM– Brigett & Her Bandoliers (Kansas City)
  • 8 PM– The Spooklights (SWMO)

Bring your chairs, blankets, and your best dance moves!

🚗 Saturday – Sept 27: Packed with Events!

Morning:

  • 9 AM – HUGE Nostalgia Car Show
  • Noon – Motorcycle Show (Awards at 2:30 PM)

All Day Fun (Noon–5 PM):

  • Kids Fall Festival – Bouncy houses, petting zoo, face painting, giant Jenga, train rides, and more!
  • SEK Princesses & Superheroes – Meet them from 12–3 PM
  • Care to Share Games – Duck pond, boat races, etc.
  • Wristbands just $5 – covers all games

Live Music on Saturday:

  • 1 PM– Meaza Joy (teen phenom)
  • 3 PM– Martin & The Dead Guys
  • 5 PM– Amanda Fish (Nashville)
  • 7 PM– Randy McAllister (Texas Blues)

There will also be arts & crafts booths, delicious food & drinks, and plenty of shade with free parking & shuttles available.

What to Bring:

  • Family & friends
  • Chairs, blankets, bug spray
  • Small coolers welcome
  • A donation to Care to Share (optional but appreciated!)

🐶🚫Please note: No pets are allowed at the event.

For more info, visit: facebook.com/FortScottFortFest

We hope to see you there!

Click HERE to follow Care to Share’s Facebook Page!

Click HERE to follow Fort Scott FortFest’s

Facebook Event Page for details!

Kids Fall Festival Info

FortFest Bike Show Info
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Fall Music Series Starts Sept. 27 at Common Ground Coffee Shop

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The Sept. 13 Concert listed on this flyer is cancelled due to the illness of the performers.
Fall Music at Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall, is back.
“Bring a friend, grab your favorite latte, and enjoy the sound of fall at Common Ground,” said shop owner Stacy Racy. “We decided a couple of months ago to bring back the Fall Concert Series. We’ve done it in the past and it’s been well received, so we’re excited to do it again.”
Stacy and Wayne Racy, owners of the Common Ground Coffee Shop. Submitted photo.


“Join us this fall for evenings filled with live music, cozy drinks, and community vibes,” she said.
The live music shows are from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday evenings, and all ages are welcome.
The large group private area at Common Ground, from its Facebook page.


 Upcoming Shows:
The September 13 – Jesse Jack & The Electric String Band was cancelled due to illness.
 September 27 – Vinyl Revival 
October 11-Jerico Jones
October 25- Serenade
“We’ll have drinks, cookies, and food available for people to enjoy while they listen,’ she said. “We have some amazing local and regional musicians we love listening to, and we thought this would be a great way to give the community something to do on Saturday evenings through the fall.”
Music lovers might want to try some of the new menu items offered by the coffee shop staff as they listen to the music in the large stage area in a room adjacent to the public seating area.
“Our new menu items are going really well – that’s the biggest new thing right now, and we’re excited about the community response.”
One of the new menu items: pannini. From the shop’s Facebook page.

For the live music nights, they will have their flatbreads, paninis, and chicken salad sandwiches along with cookies and drinks available for purchase, she said.

Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E.Wall.