As Missouri monitors potential delays in November SNAP benefits, food banks are responding with
steady leadership and community support.
JEFFERSON CITY, MO. — As the federal government shutdown continues and the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) advises that November SNAP benefits may not be issued without restored funding, Missouri’s food banks are working together to support families, federal employees, and others affected by missed paychecks or delayed benefits.
“Food banks are prepared to respond—we always are—but this situation places even greater strain on organizations already working hard to meet record levels of need,” said Joey Keys, President of Feeding Missouri. “SNAP is the first line of defense against hunger. When benefits are delayed or uncertain, families and seniors feel it immediately. Food banks will do all we can to help, as long as resources allow.”
Across Missouri, regional food banks are hearing from more neighbors who are worried about missed paychecks or delayed benefits. Some food banks have adjusted operations—expanding mobile distributions or coordinating additional product purchases—to ensure food remains accessible. Others are working closely with local community and faith-based partners to identify emerging needs and connect families not only with food, but with other local supports that promote stability.
“Our regional food banks are experts in their communities,” said Leigh Anne Haun, Executive Director of Feeding Missouri. “They know the families, the local partners, and the best ways to connect people with the help they need. Every day, they’re coordinating with churches, schools, employers, and service agencies to make sure no one faces hunger alone.” Feeding Missouri’s network serves all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis through more than 1,200 community and faith-based partners, ensuring consistent access to food and resources even amid uncertainty.
Food Banks Are Responding, But Cannot Meet the Need Alone
Food banks will continue to support local partners and neighbors for as long as possible, but the charitable network cannot replace federal nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC, which provide the scale of support families depend on. Federal nutrition programs deliver roughly nine meals for every one meal provided by food banks.
“The past few years have brought more people to our doors—many for the first time—and we’re seeing that again,” Haun said. “In moments like this, community matters most. Food banks are approaching their busiest time of the year under normal circumstances. The added challenges are going to require more support to meet the need.
How Missourians Can Get and Give Help
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, help is available. Visit FeedingMissouri.org to find your regional food bank and local pantries. Call ahead to confirm hours and distribution details, and check your regional food bank’s website for the most up-to-date information about mobile pantries and community resources. Food banks will continue to support neighbors for as long as resources allow, but they can’t do it
alone.
Everyone can play a part in keeping shelves stocked and meals moving:
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Donate: Monetary gifts enable food banks to purchase high-demand foods, including proteins, pantry staples, and essential items for infants and seniors. Because of long-standing partnerships with farmers, retailers, and suppliers, food banks can stretch every dollar much further than the average shopper, maximizing the impact of every contribution.
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Volunteer: Food banks and pantries across Missouri need helping hands to pack, sort, and distribute food.
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Stay informed: Follow updates from your regional food bank and help share accurate information about local resources with neighbors who may need help.
“In uncertain times, our mission remains clear,” said Leigh Anne Haun, Executive Director of Feeding Missouri. “Our food banks feed families, strengthen communities, and help stabilize neighbors in need. We’re grateful to every Missourian who continues to give, volunteer, and stand with their communities so no one has to face hunger alone.” To find your local food bank or learn how you can help, visit FeedingMissouri.org. Together, we can make sure every Missourian stays nourished through the months ahead.
Find Your Regional Food Bank
Missouri’s six regional food banks work together to provide hunger relief to every county in the state and the City of St. Louis through a coordinated network of more than 1,200 community-based hunger-relief programs.
- Harvesters — Community Food Network
- Ozarks Food Harvest
- Second Harvest Community Food Bank
- St. Louis Area Foodbank
- Southeast Missouri Food Bank
- The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri
For statewide resources or to learn how you can get involved, visit FeedingMissouri.org.
Featured Image: Ozarks Food Harvest staff and volunteers gather outside a Federal Worker Pop-Up Distribution. The food bank organized special grocery distributions to support federal employees missing full or partial paychecks during the government shutdown — one example of how Missouri’s food banks are stepping up to help neighbors through uncertainty. Photo courtesy of Ozarks Food Harvest.