Bryan Stalder
Contributor

As the federal government shutdown stretches into its fifth week, many Kansas City families are feeling the strain of delayed food assistance. The Trump administration announced Monday that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be issued this month at roughly half the usual amount, leaving millions of Americans uncertain about when—or if—they’ll receive their funds.

In response, Cosentino’s-owned grocery stores are stepping up to help. From November 3 through November 7, all Cosentino locations—including the Price Chopper at 5800 Wilson Road—will offer free meals to children 12 and under. The meals will be served at the stores’ deli hot bars between 4 and 7 p.m. each day.

The Cosentino family, which owns and operates several Price Chopper locations across the metro, has been a fixture in Kansas City’s grocery industry for more than four decades. Their locally owned stores are offering the free meals to help families bridge the gap while Congress remains at a standstill over the federal budget.

While the federal government works to restore full SNAP benefits, neighborhood grocers like Price Chopper are ensuring that local kids don’t go hungry.