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Did you know nearly 1 out of every 4 meals distributed by Ozarks Food Harvest last year was provided by federal nutrition programs? This is important to know because Congress is revisiting the Farm Bill that funds these programs this year.

The Farm Bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation reviewed every five years that governs a range of farming and food programs in the United States. The bill is crucial to our neighbors, many of whom are working hard but whose wages keep them near the poverty line during record inflation for food, housing and daycare. Nearly 80 percent of the funding from the Farm Bill goes to nutrition programs such as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—two of the most effective programs to help end hunger in southwest Missouri.

TEFAP helps food banks and their network of faith-based and community charities bridge the food gap for working families needing immediate nutrition assistance. Last year alone, Ozarks Food Harvest distributed nearly 4 million meals from TEFAP food across a third of the state to help families get back on their feet. All of this food is purchased from American farmers and manufacturers, which means this program aids the food producers who form the backbone of our economy.

SNAP is an essential tool for Ozarks Food Harvest’s mission because it helps working families afford nutritious food while providing economic stimulus to the community. In 2023, SNAP provided food assistance to more than 325,000 families each month in Missouri. That’s thousands of our neighbors and families that were able to afford to drive to work, keep the lights on and buy prescriptions without worrying about their next meal. On top of that, $1.5 billion was injected into our state’s economy through families using their SNAP benefits at local retailers. Those benefits helped keep our local economy strong and provided jobs to farmers, truck drivers, grocery stores and food industry workers across the state.

It’s important to remember that people who face hunger are not just statistics; they’re our neighbors, friends and family members. Everyone needs healthy food to live and thrive, regardless of their circumstances.

Melissa, a working Mom who receives TEFAP food from Ozarks Food Harvest’s network, shared how much the program has helped her family.

“Being a mom to two children on a single income, being able to get TEFAP food has really helped me provide better food to my family, like fresh fruit. It’s particularly helpful during the summer months when my kids eat more meals at home instead of at school.”

I ask for your help to let Missouri legislators know that The Food Bank’s network of 270 nonprofits across one third of the state supports programs like SNAP and TEFAP so no one in Missouri goes hungry, and working families, Missouri farmers and businesses continue to thrive.

Please join me in contacting your Congressional representatives through their websites today and ask them to make hunger relief a priority in the Farm Bill.

Sen. Josh Hawley, hawley.senate.gov;

Sen. Eric Schmitt, schmitt.senate.gov;

Rep. Eric Burlison, burlison.house.gov.