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Starting in October 2026, Missouri will be responsible for paying 75% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administration costs instead of 50%.

Historically, the federal government has split the cost of SNAP administration fees 50/50 with each state. This increase will cost our state tens of millions in additional funding to keep SNAP operating at the same level it is today. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R. 1), which in part limits federal funding for the administration of SNAP, was signed into law in July 2025.

To put this additional cost into perspective, Missouri has approved around $29 million to cover nine months of the increased SNAP administration cost and will request three months’ additional funding in the 2027 legislative session. The need for additional SNAP funding at the state level comes as Missouri is already facing budget pressure. State policymakers will have to decide how to meet the increased need for SNAP funding while also balancing other priorities.

In addition to the administration cost shift, Missouri will be faced with paying a portion of SNAP benefits beginning in October 2027. This additional cost comes from H.R. 1 requiring states to cover costs based on their SNAP payment error rates. It’s important to note that error rates measure the accuracy of benefit payments, not fraud. These costs have historically been 100% paid by the federal government. Based on fiscal year 2025 payment error rates, Missouri could be responsible for paying roughly $150 million a year. This would significantly impact our state’s budget, which is already stretched thin. It could also have devastating effects on the program in our state, and ultimately, on our neighbors facing hunger.

The demand for food assistance remains high nationwide, including right here in southwest Missouri where 1 in 4 children and 1 in 5 adults face hunger. Although The Food Bank provides 23 million meals annually, folks facing hunger often rely on federal nutrition assistance to ensure they can keep food on the table. That’s why programs like SNAP play an essential role in ensuring our neighbors have access to fresh and nutritious food year-round.

In fiscal year 2025 alone, over 662,000 Missouri residents received SNAP benefits each month totaling over $1.5 billion in benefits annually. As I mentioned earlier, The Food Bank does incredible work providing meals across southwest Missouri, but they can’t do it alone. For every meal a food bank provides, SNAP provides nine – making funding for this program essential for the health and well-being of our neighbors.

This shift in cost comes as we enter the cold winter months and holiday season – often the hardest time of the year for folks facing hunger. Supporting The Food Bank as they work to keep up with the increased need is essential. They provide meals to 90,000 neighbors monthly and can’t do it without your help. You can support The Food Bank by volunteering, hosting a food drive or making a donation. I’m so grateful for your ongoing support of Ozarks Food Harvest.