By Jeff Fogg | This Is Topeka
As families across Kansas brace for possible delays and reductions in federal SNAP benefits, Hy-Vee is stepping in to make sure kids don’t go hungry — at least for one important week.
From Monday, November 3 through Friday, November 7, Hy-Vee stores with hot meal service are offering free hot dinners for children 12 and under, available daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Adults can purchase the same meal for just $3, making this not only a kind gesture but also a real help for working families feeling the pinch.
Each night features a hearty, family-style menu:
- Monday: Baked potato with pulled pork
- Tuesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, and garlic bread
- Wednesday: Chicken and noodles with mashed potatoes
- Thursday: Chili with a cinnamon roll
- Friday: Sesame or orange chicken rice bowl — or, at stores without HyChi, two chicken tenders with mashed potatoes and corn
“This is about helping families stretch their dollars when things are tough,” said a Hy-Vee spokesperson. “If we can take one meal off a parent’s mind this week, that’s a win for us.”
The effort comes at a time when many Kansans are feeling anxious about food security. A federal court recently ordered the White House to fund SNAP using contingency reserves — but the administration says only about half the usual amount will be distributed, and that payments could take months to process. For thousands of local families relying on those benefits, the uncertainty has been stressful.
Hy-Vee is also encouraging customers to support food banks through $5 and $10 donation bundles, each filled with essentials like canned vegetables, cereal, and pasta sauce. Local stores will deliver donated bundles directly to community pantries throughout the week.
Here in Topeka, the gesture is more than symbolic. With grocery prices up and pantry shelves often strained by high demand, Hy-Vee’s free-meal week is a welcome act of community care — and a reminder that small, local actions can make a big difference.
Families can visit the Topeka Hy-Vee at 2951 SW Wanamaker Rd. for hot meal service and donation options.
