Paige Olson with Kansas Appleseed talked to the Allen County Multi-Agency Team (ACMAT) on March 1 about the advocacy work being done in Southeast Kansas to improve access to affordable food and safe, secure housing. 
Kansas Appleseed focuses on outreach to those who can benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Much of the organization’s work focuses on changing legislative policies that can support and empower families, Olson said. She expressed disappointment that some of the policy changes Appleseed promoted during this year’s legislative session failed to make much progress, including a bill that would allow felons convicted of drug-related crimes to receive SNAP benefits.
“Food access reduces the rate of recidivism, and it’s a lot harder to get your life on track if you’re hungry,” Olson told the group.
The Kansas House also voted against a Kansas Appleseed proposal to change a policy that requires parents to agree to pursue child support in order to receive SNAP benefits. Some families have private agreements or there are other reasons why a parent may not want to pursue support, Olson said.
The organization remains hopeful Kansas will eliminate the food sales tax.
ACMAT members also heard from Joshua McLeon, donor relations and community outreach coordinator for the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, who talked about grant opportunities.
They also heard a presentation from Daniel Donovan, a community support specialist with DCCCA, who talked about efforts to establish a National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children Coalition task force. DCCCA provides social and community services.
ACMAT is a coalition of community organizations. Its mission is to prevent substance abuse in youth and offer safe community events.
The coalition meets at noon on the first Tuesday of each month, currently via Zoom.
