Kansas has the second highest state food sales tax in the nation.
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State sales tax takes food off the table.
In 2021, 13% of Kansans lacked access to enough food. When the budget is tight, consumers make tough choices. Eliminating the state food sales tax would put hundreds of dollars back into Kansans pockets every year to buy more groceries. Taxing groceries is bad for business. The state food sales tax has a negative impact on rural grocers’ profit and their employees’ compensation. It also drives consumers across state lines to save money on groceries. Forty of Kansas’ counties share a border with neighboring states, which exempt food purchases or tax food at a lower rate. The state can cover the bill. Since 2014 we have received overwhelming bipartisan support for this issue. Now the state has the revenue to cover the bill without harming the budget. Food is one thing we all buy. Every Kansan gets a bite of this tax break. |
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3 Easy Ways to Take Action
White Paper Series: The Hard Facts on Food Sales Tax
In addition to making healthy food more affordable for Kansans, cutting the food sales tax could help smaller and rural grocery businesses in the state by encouraging customers to shop in Kansas rather than in neighboring states with lower food taxes. Want to know more? KC Healthy Kids has commissioned the Kansas Public Finance Center at Wichita State University to publish a series of reports examining the ways sales tax on food impacts Kansans.
- Learn about the food sales tax. Get educated about the issue by exploring our blog archive or reading the white papers linked below. Search the Archive
- Contact your Kansas legislators. Call or email your state representative and senator to let them know why you support the elimination of the Kansas' food sales tax. Find Contact Info
- Share with your network. Post a photo of your grocery receipt highlighting the amount of sales tax you were charged on social media. Use the sample post below and make it your own. Tag Your Legislators
White Paper Series: The Hard Facts on Food Sales Tax
In addition to making healthy food more affordable for Kansans, cutting the food sales tax could help smaller and rural grocery businesses in the state by encouraging customers to shop in Kansas rather than in neighboring states with lower food taxes. Want to know more? KC Healthy Kids has commissioned the Kansas Public Finance Center at Wichita State University to publish a series of reports examining the ways sales tax on food impacts Kansans.
- The incidence of the inclusion of food at home preparation in the sales tax base: Kansas food tax puts an unfair burden on the poor and those in rural areas.
- The effect of the inclusion of groceries in the sales tax base on rural grocery stores: Kansas food tax takes a toll on rural grocery stores, their employees and local economies. Eliminating sales tax on groceries could boost economic activity and improve nutrition for Kansans.
- Sales tax rate differentials and cross-border shopping: With lower or no taxes on food in neighboring states, what is the impact on retailers’ businesses?
Translated Advocacy Materials
The following advocacy materials are available in many languages. Please contact Miranda Klugesherz with questions.
The following advocacy materials are available in many languages. Please contact Miranda Klugesherz with questions.
Kansas Food Sales Tax One Pager
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November 8, 2021 Press Release
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