Missouri Deploys $15.6M Emergency Food Aid Amid Federal Shutdown

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has announced expedited measures to provide food assistance amid a federal government shutdown that has delayed November SNAP benefits, which are fully federally funded and cannot be replaced by state funds. Kehoe is redirecting $10.6 million from the Senior Services Growth and Development Fund to Missouri’s Area Agencies on Aging to support senior meal programs and authorizing an early $5 million distribution from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to Missouri food banks to address increased demand. While the state cannot fully replace SNAP benefits, these steps aim to support vulnerable Missourians, especially seniors, during the funding gap. The Missouri Department of Social Services is prepared to issue SNAP benefits as soon as federal funding resumes. Additionally, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will continue operating into November, with families encouraged to maintain participation. Residents seeking assistance or wishing to help can contact Feeding Missouri, a coalition of six food banks serving every county in the state.