The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced that November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits cannot be issued at this time due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and the temporary loss of federal funds. SNAP benefits are fully federally funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS), which has notified states that sufficient November funds are not currently available.
State officials say they are monitoring developments closely and will issue benefits as soon as federal funds are restored. DSS encourages households to monitor updates and, if possible, stretch remaining October benefits into November.
West Central Missouri Community Action Agency (West Central) expressed concern for the thousands of Missouri families who could face food insecurity in the coming weeks as a result of this temporary loss of benefits.
“Many of those affected are our clients, neighbors, and friends,” said Mary Lou Schussler, CEO. “We want families to know they are not alone, and that resources still exist in our communities. We are here to help connect them to food support during this period of uncertainty.”
West Central Resources Available Now
West Central can help families connect to immediate local food resources:
- West Central food pantries are available in Raymore and Appleton City
- A full listing of food pantries across our nine-county region is available at wcmcaa.org/food-pantries
- Mobile Action Center (MAC) staff can also provide local referrals and information during scheduled community visits See wcmcaa.org/mac-schedule
How the Community Can Help: Step Up, Speak Out, Stand With Our Communities
West Central is encouraging residents, partners, and local organizations to take action in support of families who may be affected:
- Spread the word: Share information through programs, workplaces, churches, and community networks to ensure families know where to find help.
- Advocate: Support continued funding of SNAP and other emergency food resources that prevent hunger in rural Missouri.
- Take action: Donate to local food banks and pantries, encourage contributions, or organize a food drive to support increased community need.
Food banks across Missouri, through the Feeding Missouri network, report they are preparing for higher demand. While they stand ready to help, they stress the need for community support to meet the expected increase in assistance requests.
West Central Will Keep the Public Informed
West Central will continue to monitor updates from Missouri DSS and USDA-FNS, and will share new information with community partners, program participants, and the public as it becomes available.
For statewide updates and official information, visit: mydss.mo.gov/federal-shutdown-impacts
For local food resources and support, visit: wcmcaa.org/food-pantries
About West Central Missouri Community Action Agency
West Central Missouri Community Action Agency has served a nine-county region in west central Missouri since 1965, helping people and communities reach their fullest potential. Each year, West Central provides housing assistance, emergency services, energy conservation, employment and training, transportation, and financial capability programs to more than 25,000 individuals.
Through its community development corporation, New Growth, West Central also supports entrepreneurship and small business development, operates a volunteer-based transportation network, and advances local food and farm enterprises. West Central’s primary service area includes Cass, Bates, Benton, Cedar, Henry, Hickory, Morgan, St. Clair, and Vernon counties, with expanded programs reaching additional counties in Missouri and Kansas.
Learn more at wcmcaa.org.
