Now more than ever, Kansas families need relief from the state’s food sales tax. Kansans pay 6.5% in state sales tax on groceries — the second highest in the country. In addition to the tax, we have all felt the effects of the pandemic-induced inflation, which is making it harder to put food on the table. At Thrive Allen County, we focus on improving health and wellness, economic conditions, and community resources in our county and throughout the state.
The “Axe the Food Tax” plan is in lockstep with the mission of Thrive. It helps all Kansans by putting money back in their pockets, providing relief to those deciding between groceries or other necessities, and enabling Kansans to select nutritious and wholesome foods without the higher sales tax barrier. This plan to eliminate the state sales tax on food would benefit our rural grocery stores, by allowing residents to spend more money on actual groceries instead of on sales taxes.
Food insecurity plagues communities across the state, but it is especially prevalent in our region of Southeast Kansas. According to data from Feeding America, one in six Southeast Kansans is food insecure, including one in four Southeast Kansas children. Food insecurity impacts and hinders children’s brain development and growth. Reducing food insecurity through the common sense action of passing a clean “Axe the Food Tax” bill helps ensure the healthy growth of Kansas children for the short and long-term.
The consumption of nutritious wholesome foods encourages and improves overall health. The original plan, House Bill 2487, would completely eliminate the state’s sales tax on food and make healthy food more affordable. Slashing the state sales tax on food to zero has the potential to introduce and increase the consumption of healthier foods. For some, the cost of healthier foods discourages the purchase, but knowing that the state’s sales tax would not be included would make these foods more attractive.
The “Axe the Food Tax” plan also helps the economy by providing money for Kansans. For the average family of four, that is approximately $500 per year not being spent on taxes. That’s money that can be spent on other activities or goods like a family road trip or a shopping trip along our wonderful Kansas main streets and town squares, further boosting local economies.
Thrive urges legislators to pass a clean and common sense “Axe the Food Tax” plan which improves health and life outcomes while improving or sustaining economic stability of all Kansans. With the largest budget surplus in 40 years, the state can do this and sustain the elimination of the state’s sales tax on groceries. We are reaching the end of the legislative session, and time is running out to pass a version of this bipartisan bill. Now is the time to give Kansans the relief they deserve.
Lisse Regehr is president and CEO of Thrive Allen County.
