By Kelly Chanay, director of KSDE child nutrition and wellness 

With the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits will be delayed in November. Schools can do the following to support families during this time:  

1. Maximize school meals and reduce food waste by encouraging participation in school breakfast, lunch, and snack programs. Social media can be an effective way to spread the word about access to school breakfast and lunch. 
2. Be sure students have adequate time to eat breakfast and lunch at school.  
3. Utilize share tables to provide extra food/milk to students who want/need it. Share tables are stations/carts where students can place unopened food/milk and can be in place during breakfast and lunch meal service. Food/milk from the share table must be consumed at school. 
4. Consider innovative breakfast options to maximize breakfast participation: breakfast in the classroom, grab-n-go in hallways and cafeterias, second chance breakfast after homeroom or first period.    
5. If your school qualifies, consider participating in CACFP at-risk afterschool meals and snacks . Food that is part of this program can be served to children located in low-income locations. Schools interested in getting reimbursed for a supper and/or snack served after the school day and on weekends are encouraged to contact Laura Hodgson, laura.hodgson@ksde.gov, or Emily Bonilla, emily.bonilla@ksde.gov or call the KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness office at (785) 296-2276. For more information, visit Chapter 13: At-Risk Afterschool Meals. All meals and snacks must be consumed onsite. 

Contact KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness at (785) 296-2276 with any questions or for additional information regarding how to maximize access to child nutrition programs.