We Must Take Action to Prevent a Hunger Crisis

On Monday, October 20th, the Missouri Department of Social Services announced that Missourians will not receive their November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. According to guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), funding for November benefits is unavailable due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. However, the USDA currently has between $5 and $6 billion in its SNAP contingency fund.

The Trump administration could direct the USDA to use these contingency funds to cover these needed benefits costs for November, but has failed to do so. Empower Missouri condemns this lack of action, which will endanger the food security of families, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. No one should go hungry, especially because of a political stalemate. We urge federal policymakers and USDA to pursue all alternatives sources of funding for November benefits including using the SNAP contingency fund.

SNAP is the largest and most effective anti-hunger program in our state. More than 600,000 Missourians rely on SNAP each month to put food on the table including 275,000 children, 84,000 people with disabilities, and 90,000 adults over 60. Any interruption in these benefits would be catastrophic for Missouri families and Missouri’s economy, which depends on the steady flow of SNAP dollars into grocery stores and local businesses. The loss of November benefits means over 100 million fewer dollars for Missouri families and our economy.

On Tuesday, Senator Josh Hawley introduced legislation to ensure SNAP (food stamp) benefits are funded during the federal government shutdown. We’re encouraged by his leadership and his willingness to speak up for Missouri families who could otherwise face food insecurity — especially as we approach the holidays. However, the quickest way to restore November benefits is not through legislation, but by transferring existing funds, like the contingency fund, to states to cover the costs.

“Families should never be held hostage in political disputes,” said Lucas Caldwell-McMillan, Chief of Policy Staff at Empower Missouri. “Missourians who depend on SNAP to keep food on the table deserve decisive leadership to address their needs. We urge the federal government to act quickly to prevent a hunger crisis during the holidays.”