SHANNON’S STORY

Shannon D. is a student, education assistant, and mother raising two children in Hutchinson.

Two years ago, the family lost SNAP after their income exceeded the benefit limit. Shannon works as a teacher’s assistant, and because she is continuing her education to become a teacher, her family now earns less than she did at her previous job. This change in income re-qualified them for SNAP benefits. 

The family applied for SNAP in July and submitted extensive documentation, including employment history, school records, leases, bills, and childcare documentation. Despite submitting it, Shannon’s family received a denial letter stating the information was missing, leaving them without the benefits they desperately needed. 

Even though Shannon is working and pursuing an education, navigating the safety net programs remains difficult. One day, she spent six hours on the phone to ensure DCF received the documentation. She took time off work to go to the DCF office in Reno County and, despite hours of waiting, no worker saw her.

Shannon relies on local food pantries to help her family get by, but it’s not enough, and the delay in processing her case affects more than just putting food on the table. SNAP gave her extra room in her budget to spend time with her older son. Since changing jobs and waiting in limbo for her benefits, she has had to stop taking him to activities he enjoys, like movies and bowling.

Shannon was still trying to get her benefits reinstated at the time of this interview in September.