In July of 2025, when Congress passed H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the debate was largely framed around taxes, spending, government efficiency, and work requirements. But behind those political talking points are real Missouri families—and Missouri children. As the aspects of H.R. 1 are being implemented, it is creating a chain reaction...Lee mas

For many Missouri families, school meals are more than just breakfast and lunch — they are a dependable source of nutrition that helps children learn, grow, and thrive. Yet too often, families face barriers to accessing school meals, whether due to paperwork, stigma, changing household finances, or simply not knowing they qualify for help. The...Lee mas

April 29, 2026To: Senator Trent and Members of the Senate General Laws CommitteeFrom: Christine Woody, Food Security Policy Manager at Empower MissouriRe:   HB 2481 Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Christine Woody and I am with Empower Missouri. Empower Missouri is the state’s largest anti-poverty advocacy organization. I am...Lee mas

March 25, 2026To: Senator Trent and Members of the Senate General Laws CommitteeFrom: Christine Woody, Food Security Policy Manager at Empower MissouriRe:   SB 1616 Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Christine Woody and I am with Empower Missouri. Empower Missouri is the state’s largest anti-poverty advocacy organization. I am...Lee mas

March 23, 2026 To:  Chairman McGirl and The House Ways and Means Committee From: Christine Woody, Food Security Policy Manager, Empower Missouri Re: House Bill 2457 My name is Christine Woody and I am the Food Security Policy manager for Empower Missouri. We are a statewide non-profit organization that leads a statewide coalition on food...Lee mas

March 11, 2026 To:  Chairman Brown and The Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee From: Christine Woody, Food Security Policy Manager, Empower Missouri Re: Senate Bill 1082 My name is Christine Woody and I am the Food Security Policy manager for Empower Missouri. We are a statewide non-profit organization that leads a statewide coalition on...Lee mas

March 10, 2026 To:  Chairman McGirl and The House Ways and Means Committee From: Christine Woody, Food Security Policy Manager, Empower Missouri Re: House Bill 2461 My name is Christine Woody and I am the Food Security Policy manager for Empower Missouri. We are a statewide non-profit organization that leads a statewide coalition on food...Lee mas

March 4, 2026 To: Senator Jill Carter, Chair and the Members of the Families, Seniors and Health Committee From: Christine Woody, Food Security Policy Manager, Empower Missouri Re: Support for SB 875 Founded in 1901, Empower Missouri is the oldest anti-poverty advocacy organization in the state. As part of our work, we organize a statewide...Lee mas

February 25, 2026To: Representative Keathley and Members of the House General Laws CommitteeFrom: Christine Woody, Food Security Policy Manager at Empower MissouriRe:   HB 2481 and HB 2468 Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Christine Woody and I am with Empower Missouri. Empower Missouri is the state’s largest anti-poverty advocacy...Lee mas

Date: January 27, 2026 To: Representative Don Mayhew and the Members of the House Corrections and Public Institutions Committee  From: Christine Woody, Food Security Policy Manager, Empower Missouri RE: Support for HB 2751 My name is Christine Woody and I am the Food Security Policy Manager at Empower Missouri. Empower Missouri is a statewide non-profit organization...Lee mas