Governor Mike Kehoe announces new measures to accelerate food assistance for vulnerable Missourians as federal SNAP benefits face potential loss due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
JEFFERSON CITY, MO —
Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced additional steps his administration is taking to expedite food assistance for at-risk Missourians, given the impending loss of November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the Democrat-led federal government shutdown.
SNAP benefits are 100 percent federally funded, with each recipient receiving benefits from the federal government via their Electronic Benefit Transfer card. There is no mechanism for state appropriations to be transferred to cover this funding. The Missouri Department of Social Services stands ready to issue November SNAP benefits as soon as possible once the federal government is reopened.
“Democrats in Washington continue to hold the federal government hostage for political leverage, leaving Missouri’s most vulnerable uncertain if they will have food on the table next month,” said Governor Kehoe. “While the State of Missouri cannot fully replace federal SNAP benefits for those who rely on them, we are working to expedite additional funding sources to assist Missouri’s senior population and food banks.”
Governor Kehoe has directed a full $10.6 million fund transfer from the Senior Services Growth and Development Fund to Missouri Area Agencies on Aging. This funding will be critical in supporting Missouri’s Area Agencies on Aging in providing meals to seniors.
Additionally, Governor Kehoe has ordered a $5 million distribution to Missouri food banks using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding. This action takes the place of a regular appropriation typically issued later in the year but is being issued now given an increase in need due the loss of SNAP benefits.
Missourians in need of food assistance or looking to volunteer or donate are directed to Feeding Missouri – a coalition of six Missouri Food Banks working to provide hunger relief to every county in the state.
WIC Program Update
WIC benefits will be available for redemption in Missouri into November. WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, administered in Missouri by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and federally funded by the USDA, Food and Nutrition Service. WIC provides quality nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, nutritious foods, and referrals to health services to qualifying individuals.
WIC families are encouraged to continue to attend appointments and redeem benefits using their WIC cards until further notice.
Missouri WIC will continue to monitor funding availability each day as the federal government shutdown continues. Retailers and participants will be notified should a pause in benefit redemption become necessary in the latter half of the month. Visit wic.mo.gov for updates.
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