Facing Food Insecurity: How Missouri’s SNAP-Ed Funding Cuts Impact Communities

Food insecurity is increasing in Missouri, just as funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) is being cut. This dual challenge is affecting many families in the state.

For nearly three decades, MU Extension professor Joe Britt-Rankin has seen how nutritional education can make a difference. He recalls how children who join tasting activities often go home, eager to try new fruits and vegetables. “We help them discover new foods,” he says, highlighting the positive impact of education.

Last year, SNAP-Ed reached over 1.2 million people in Missouri. But recent budget cuts are forcing programs like Show Me Nutrition and Cooking Matters to downsize or end. “Families want to learn how to stretch their food dollars to ensure they have enough to eat throughout the month,” Britt-Rankin explains.

Recent data reveals a troubling trend. The Missouri Hunger Atlas reports a 4% increase in food insecurity in the state. Experts attribute this rise partly to fewer supplemental supports, which had helped during the pandemic. “During that time, SNAP benefits were expanded, and many families received stimulus checks,” says Bill McKelvey, a Senior Project Coordinator at the University of Missouri. These measures kept food insecurity rates relatively stable, but without them, families are struggling again.

Looking ahead, Britt-Rankin acknowledges the challenges posed by a loss of $11 million in funding. “We need to restructure and envision how we can continue serving all 114 counties and St. Louis,” he says.

The impact of these funding cuts is already being felt. The Central Missouri Food Bank’s Cooking Matters class, which is vital for teaching cooking skills, will see its SNAP-Ed funding end this October, affecting many who rely on it.

As families face these challenges, the need for supportive programs becomes clearer than ever. Addressing food insecurity isn’t just about providing food; it’s about equipping families with the knowledge to make healthier choices with limited resources. The conversation around this issue is more important than ever, as communities rally to find solutions and advocate for continued support.



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SNAP-Ed,Food insecurity,Missouri,Funding cut,Nutritional education,Low-income families,Food dollars,Central Missouri Food Bank