Food insecurity

In 2025, the Southeast Missouri Food Bank faced unique challenges, including tornadoes and a government shutdown affecting SNAP. They distributed over 14 million pounds of food, equating to 12.3 million meals, and served an average of 80,000 individuals monthly. Despite a 30% increase in their food budget for 2026, they received 664,000 fewer pounds from the USDA's TEFAP program. The food bank operates 300 mobile food pantries annually, each serving 200 families, and relies heavily on 4,500 volunteers. They also source produce from local farmers and retail rescue programs. The food bank encourages volunteering, donations, and social media sharing to support their efforts.

In 2025, the Southeast Missouri Food Bank faced unique challenges, including tornadoes and a government shutdown affecting SNAP. They distributed over 14 million pounds of food, equating to 12.3 million meals, and served an average of 80,000 individuals monthly. Despite a 30% increase in their food budget for 2026, they received 664,000 fewer pounds from the USDA's TEFAP program. The food bank operates 300 mobile food pantries annually, each serving 200 families, and relies heavily on 4,500 volunteers. They also source produce from local farmers and retail rescue programs. The food bank encourages volunteering, donations, and social media sharing to support their efforts.

A new report finds Missouri outpaces the national average on after-school meals, but many eligible children still go without supper after school. Advocates say the federally funded program is underused and could become even more critical as families face rising food costs.

With food insecurity affecting roughly 13% of Missouri households and food prices rising, many families can’t afford a traditional Thanksgiving meal. One Branson nonprofit is making sure those in need can enjoy a good holiday meal and much-needed companionship

The Missouri Department of Social Services announced Thursday that it will continue to issue partial payments of federal food benefits for November, while updating its systems to resume paying full amounts.

As Thanksgiving approaches, Missouri families are caught in the middle of a national food aid fight. A federal court ruling Friday (11/7) would have forced the Trump administration to pay full SNAP benefits, but the decision was paused following an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Local pantries are scrambling to meet the growing need.

Many Missourians are starting the week without the safety net they’ve relied on to get by – and a new report warns Missouri’s child poverty rate could climb sharply if federal food assistance ends.

On Monday, October 27, we spoke with Heather Collier, the Donor Relations and Communications Manager, about the upcoming 'Empty Bowls' funding events on Fri. Nov. 7, and the looming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits cut due to the ongoing federal shutdown.

On Monday, October 27, we spoke with Heather Collier, the Donor Relations and Communications Manager, about the upcoming 'Empty Bowls' funding events on Fri. Nov. 7, and the looming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits cut due to the ongoing federal shutdown.

Food insecurity is on the increase in Missouri, according to the University of Missouri's new 2025 Missouri Hunger Atlas. Released every two to three years, the report maps where need is rising and helps guide efforts to get food to those who need it most.