Without Federal Action, Missouri Will Experience a Hunger Crisis

We thank Governor Kehoe for taking swift action to support Missouri families during the ongoing federal shutdown. We appreciate the expedited transfer of $10.6 million to Missouri’s Area Agencies on Aging to ensure continued meal access for seniors, as well as the early release of $5 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding to support food banks across the state. These targeted investments will help stabilize some of Missouri’s most vulnerable residents and strengthen the emergency food network during this period of uncertainty.

At the same time, it remains important to acknowledge that Missouri’s SNAP program supports more than 600,000 residents with over $131 million of food assistance each month.  While deeply appreciated, the relief made available through expedited state appropriations cannot sustain the scale of need for more than a few days. Without Federal action, Missouri will experience a hunger crisis. 

25 states have now filed legal action against the USDA for withholding legally available contingency funds meant to ensure SNAP benefits continue during a shutdown. Missouri has not yet joined this effort, and we encourage state leaders to monitor the litigation closely and stand ready to take action, should legal relief be granted.

We strongly urge our representatives in Washington, DC to demand that the USDA immediately release the contingency funds already appropriated for this purpose. These funds exist precisely to prevent families from losing access to food during federal budget impasses, and delaying their release will deepen hunger, strain local food banks, and push seniors, children, veterans, and workers into an avoidable crisis.

“Without leaders at the federal level forcing USDA to release contingency funds, Missouri will experience an unprecedented hunger crisis,” said Lucas Caldwell-McMillan, Chief of Policy Staff at Empower Missouri. “No November SNAP benefits will mean long lines at food banks, children too hungry to learn, and seniors choosing between filling a prescription and skipping a meal.”

Missourians should not go hungry because of a shutdown, and every available legal and administrative tool must be used—now—to prevent an interruption in benefits. Here’s how you can support: 

1. Complete our Call to Action to reach out to your representatives in Congress and demand that they authorize funding for SNAP immediately. 
2. Donate to Feeding Missouri or your local food bank. Food banks can purchase items at bulk rates and are best positioned to maximize your monetary donations!
3. Engage in community care. If you have a tiny food pantry in your neighborhood, fill it up. Feeling really inspired? Build your own tiny food pantry in your yard, at your church, or at your child’s school. Or, join a neighborhood “Buy Nothing” group online– there are often folks in those groups seeking support on basic needs that you can support as well!