(Overland Park, KS) – Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas was awarded a $10,000 grant to increase awareness and assist eligible individuals and families, including seniors, with enrollment in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The grant, which is part of a nationwide outreach effort to address hunger, was provided by Catholic Charities USA and funded by the Walmart Foundation.

SNAP is the nation’s largest domestic hunger safety net program and works with state, nonprofit and private sector partners to improve awareness of, and access to, better nutritional food choices.  Currently, 17 percent of eligible Americans do not receive SNAP benefits. In fact, only 42 percent of eligible seniors are enrolled.

Catholic Charities will utilize the grant to conduct SNAP enrollment activities in 24 sites throughout its 21-county service area. These sites include the agency’s seven Family Support Centers, 15 counties served by two mobile resource buses and the Refugee and Foster Grandparents programs.

“SNAP is a critical resource that supplements the food budgets of low-income individuals and families,” says Denise Ogilvie, Chief Mission Officer, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. “This grant will assist our agency in expanding our outreach efforts to those experiencing food insecurity who may not be aware of this benefit. Through SNAP, we can alleviate hunger and help move people towards self-sufficiency.”

A grant recipient last year, Catholic Charities reached over 5,500 individuals with important information about SNAP. In addition, the agency helped 163 households apply for the benefit, with 50 percent receiving approval.

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About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart.org represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. By leaning in where our business has unique strengths, we work to tackle key social issues and collaborate with others to spark long-lasting systemic change. Walmart has stores in 27 countries, employing more than 2 million associates and doing business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people. Walmart.org is helping people live better by supporting programs that work to accelerate upward job mobility for frontline workers, address hunger and make healthier, more sustainably-grown food a reality, and build strong communities where Walmart operates. To learn more, visit www.walmart.org or find us on Twitter@walmartorg.