As Missourians prepare to cast their ballots, conversations about the future of our communities will take place across kitchen tables, workplaces, churches, schools, and neighborhoods throughout our state.
At Feeding Missouri, we believe food security should be part of those conversations.
“Food security should be part of every conversation about the future of our state.”
— Leigh Anne Haun, Executive Director, Feeding Missouri
Hunger Offers a Unique Perspective
We don’t tell people how to vote. What we can offer is a unique perspective on hunger. Every day, Missouri’s food banks see firsthand how economic challenges affect families, older adults, children, veterans, and communities across our state.
The need remains significant across Missouri. According to Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap study, an estimated 951,330 Missourians experience food insecurity, representing 15.4% of the state’s population. The study also estimates an annual food budget shortfall of more than $624 million for food-insecure Missourians.
These numbers highlight why decisions that influence family stability, charitable support, and community resources matter to organizations working to reduce hunger.
But statistics only tell part of the story.
Behind every number is a family working to make ends meet, a senior on a fixed income, a child who depends on school meals, or a neighbor navigating an unexpected financial challenge.
Strong Communities Require Strong Partnerships
We also know that reducing hunger requires strong partnerships.
Food banks work alongside donors, volunteers, businesses, faith communities, nonprofit organizations, and public programs to help ensure neighbors have access to nutritious food.
These partnerships make it possible to respond to growing needs and ensure that food reaches each of our communities across Missouri.
Addressing hunger is not the responsibility of any one organization, sector, or individual.
It takes all of us working together.
Food for Thought Reflection
At Feeding Missouri, we believe food security deserves consideration whenever we think about the future of our state. As you prepare to vote, take a moment to reflect on the following questions:
- How do the issues and priorities discussed affect families in your community?
- How might they impact access to food, economic stability, and opportunities to thrive?
- What role do strong communities, charitable organizations, and local resources play in supporting neighbors during difficult times
These questions are worth considering as we think about the future of Missouri and the well-being of each person that calls this great state home.
Looking Beyond Election Day
Whether voters are evaluating statewide amendments, local initiatives, or candidates for office, Feeding Missouri encourages consideration of how decisions may affect families, charitable organizations, community resources, and access to nutritious food.
Regardless of election outcomes, one thing will not change:
Missouri food banks will continue serving neighbors experiencing hunger.
Hunger exists in every community, and addressing it requires all of us working together.
As voters consider the future of our state, we simply encourage a moment of reflection on how decisions today can impact families, communities, and access to food tomorrow.
Because no matter where we live or how we vote, we all want Missouri families and communities to have the opportunity to thrive.
Food for Thought is a blog series from Feeding Missouri exploring hunger, food security, and the issues that affect communities across our state. We invite you to join the conversation.