Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced Wednesday that the state will take emergency action to provide food assistance to residents ahead of the expected lapse in federally funded SNAP benefits in November.
With the ongoing federal government shutdown nearing one month, Missouri’s SNAP program — funded entirely through federal dollars — is at risk of running out of money. While the state cannot legally use its own appropriations to replace federal funding, Kehoe said the administration is redirecting available state resources to help fill the gap.
A total of $10.6 million from Missouri’s Senior Service Growth and Development Fund will be transferred to Area Agencies on Aging to ensure meals continue for seniors who rely on food assistance programs. Additionally, another $5 million will be distributed to Missouri food banks using money from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Fund.
“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,” Kehoe said in a Wednesday news release.
Missourians who need food assistance, or those interested in volunteering or donating, are encouraged to visit Feeding Missouri, a coalition representing six regional food banks, for more information and support opportunities.
