rural economy

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.

As Missouri weighs large-scale solar, a debate is on between clean energy advocates and those warning that retiring fossil fuel plants too quickly could strain the power grid and raise blackout risks.

On this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri, about the organization's recent efforts to address rising needs for assistance.

On this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri, about the organization's recent efforts to address rising needs for assistance.

Missouri farmers are feeling the strain after the U.S. Department of Agriculture abruptly pulled funding for the Heartland Regional Food Business Center, a program that helped small producers access markets and upgrade equipment. Local farm leaders warn the loss could stall growth and weaken Missouri’s local food networks.

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.

Some of Missouri’s rural hospitals are fighting to survive. Eleven have already closed, and more than 30 are still at risk. Nationwide, more than 150 rural hospitals have closed since 2010.

Family farming is tough business in Missouri and across the nation. But advocacy groups such as Farm Aid and the Missouri Rural Crisis Center are working to help Missouri farmers keep their businesses growing and their heritage intact.

Federal crop insurance pours billions of taxpayer money into corn and soybeans in Illinois, but leaves small fruit and vegetable farmers exposed. As climate risks grow, one Illinois specialty farmer says diversity, not subsidies, is his safety net.