Testimony in Support to HB 2461- Extension of Donated Food Tax Credit Program

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 security and food access. Many of our coalition members work for or volunteer at food pantries and food banks in Missouri. 

As you may know, over 12% of Missourians struggle with food insecurity. And in many rural counties and urban centers of our state that percentage is even higher.  Our food pantries and food banks are the first lines of defense for those struggling with food insecurity. These organizations rely on donations of food and money to be able to provide for the thousands of individuals they see every month.   Providing additional support to these entities through tax credits is one way to increase the help they can provide to families and individuals in communities across Missouri.  

Passing HB 2461, will increase the amount of money in the Donated Food Tax Credit Fund, extend the sunset date of the fund and, if the fund runs out, allows tax credit recipients extra time to pay the additional taxes they owe to the State of Missouri. 

Missouri has a long  history of using tax credits to incentivize businesses, create jobs, increase economic activity and support community organizations. This Donated Food Tax Credit Fund is another such tax credit program and through this bill’s passage, the legislature can provide additional support to vital community organizations and decrease food insecurity as well.   

We respectfully ask this committee to vote yes on HB 2461.