Kansas Appleseed

09/04/2026

As we enter September, we honor this month as National Su***de Prevention Month and National Recovery Month. It's important to recognize the impacts of suicidality and su***de loss, as well as substance use disorders and overall mental health on our Kansas communities.

These issues are more prevalent among those impacted by system involvement, with great concern for individuals who have been in foster care, those who have experienced abuse, sexual violence, or maltreatment, those navigating homelessness, and girls who are incarcerated.

Many protective factors reduce risk. The expansion of prevention services and resources to reduce system involvement, interventions that focus on mental and behavioral health needs, and support to those transitioning out of incarceration and/or the foster care system are vital.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org/chat.

09/03/2026

September is ! 🧡

Kansas Appleseed joined fellow advocates from across the state as Governor Kelly officially proclaimed September Hunger Action Month in Kansas. This month is about more than raising awareness. It's about action, protecting the programs that help families put food on the table, strengthening the systems meant to serve Kansans, and fighting for a future where everyone in our state has reliable access to the food they need to thrive. We’re proud to stand alongside partners across Kansas doing that work every single day!

09/02/2026

Join us for a virtual webinar to explore various program and policy options to strengthen food security in your school district. Topics will include school meal access, reduced-price copays, alternative breakfast models, unpaid meal debt, Community Eligibility Provision, recent legislation, and available resources. This webinar will be offered on two dates:

• Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/6EoMEQxGQfO_3N5nXt5wbg

• Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/D54WreoMRnC-O9anaRC25g

We can't wait to see you there!

08/31/2026

ICYMI: Have your SNAP benefits been reduced or stopped because of recent changes under federal law?

Kansas Appleseed is looking to connect with individuals affected by SNAP modifications resulting from H.R. 1, the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' which was signed into law in July 2025.

If you have experienced any disruption to SNAP, share your story here: https://secure.everyaction.com/k1g3QX_2gUOM0QDADzzKLA2

Have your SNAP benefits been reduced or stopped because of recent changes under federal law?

Kansas Appleseed is looking to connect with individuals affected by SNAP modifications resulting from H.R. 1, the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' which was signed into law in July 2025.

If you have experienced any disruption to SNAP, share your story here: https://secure.everyaction.com/k1g3QX_2gUOM0QDADzzKLA2

08/28/2026

We're so excited to announce a new way to support Kansas Appleseed's work. Our online store is officially open, and every purchase makes a difference!

Buy a tote bag, T-shirt, crewneck, or hoodie to directly invest in our work. All proceeds help advance our mission to build a Kansas that is more thriving, inclusive, and just.

Wear the change you wish to see. Shop now: https://www.bonfire.com/store/kansas-appleseed/

08/27/2026

The sweeping SNAP changes required by H.R. 1 have continued to reduce SNAP participation. Since July 2025, more than 32,000 Kansans, including more than 14,000 children, have lost SNAP benefits. These are not just abstract numbers. This means our neighbors are falling through the cracks, schools and food banks are under more pressure, and families already struggling with high grocery and housing costs are facing even greater hardship.

Read more:

Cuts to federal food assistance were part of Trump’s legislative agenda. Advocates say they’ve led to food insecurity in Kansas and Missouri.

08/26/2026

Last week, Brenna Visocsky, our Campaign Director leading Kansas Appleseed's youth justice and child welfare work, attended the National Youth Justice Network Forum hosted in New Orleans! The event was full of opportunities to learn about policy and advocacy within these issue areas. It was also a wonderful opportunity to build new connections and engage with valued partners like Aubrey Edwards-Luce with The Sayra Neil Meyerhoff Center for Families, Children, and the Courts at the University of Baltimore School of Law.

08/25/2026

ICYMI: Our partners at the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas are hosting a free community event that begins with a block party on August 27, 6:00–7:00 p.m., featuring free food, family-friendly activities, sidewalk chalk art, and activities for all ages! Register for the event here: https://healthykansas.org/event/no-laughing-matter-2026/

Come for dinner. Stay for the laughs.

We're bringing a free block party and improv comedy show to Overland Park, and you're invited!

Join us from 6:00–7:00pm for a community block party with free food, family-friendly activities, sidewalk chalk art and more. Bring the whole family and join us for dinner. No ticket needed.

Then at 7:00pm, the fun moves inside Clint's Comedy Club for a one-of-a-kind improv show. Kansas City's funniest comedians will create stories, games and scenes on the spot, all inspired by audience suggestions. And yes, affordable health care will be part of the fun.

The block party is free and open to everyone. Free tickets are required for the comedy show, and space is limited.

Save your seat and get more information >>> https://healthykansas.org/event/no-laughing-matter-2026/

08/21/2026

As we continue to celebrate the outcome of the amendment election, we are also reflecting on our work leading up to the primary. Kansas Appleseed traveled to nearly 40 communities across the state to talk with Kansans about the constitutional amendment. In his blog, Logan Stenseng shares thoughtful questions and concerns from Kansans, along with their clear desire for accessible, nonpartisan civic education.

Read more: https://www.kansasappleseed.org/blog-what-we-learned-from-kansans-ahead-of-the-august-primary/

08/20/2026

It's been a busy month! In our August update, read about our experience while traveling across the state, learn how you can share your SNAP story, and find resources to help Kansas students start the school year with consistent access to healthy food.

Read the full update here:

AUGUST UPDATE | In this month’s update, read about our experience while traveling across the state, learn how you can share your SNAP story, and find resources to help Kansas students start the school year with consistent access to healthy food.