Kansas DCF Refuses USDA SNAP Data Release Over Privacy Risks

Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has refused to comply with a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) demand to release personal data of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients and applicants from 2020 to 2025. The requested information includes sensitive details such as Social Security numbers, birthdates, and addresses, which the USDA intends to compile into a federal database shared with various government agencies. Kansas DCF Secretary Laura Howard stated that complying with the request could violate state and federal privacy laws and expose the department to potential liability amid ongoing lawsuits challenging the USDA's data demand. Howard also criticized the July 30 deadline as unreasonable, citing the significant resources required to gather such extensive data. Kansas is not a party to the lawsuit filed by multiple states against the USDA, but it is monitoring the case while continuing to administer SNAP according to current legal standards. The state emphasizes its commitment to protecting the confidentiality and security of Kansans' personal information consistent with applicable laws.