News

Nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are essential for our hardworking neighbors right here in Missouri. In fiscal year 2024, more than 655,000 Missourians put food on the table using SNAP benefits each month. This is important to note, especially as Congress is continuing work on the Farm Bill this year.

The Farm Bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation that is reviewed about every five years and governs a variety of farming and food programs in the United States. More than 75% of Farm Bill funds go to nutrition programs that help folks have consistent access to nutritious meals, such as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and SNAP—two programs that have been essential in helping end hunger in southwest Missouri.

TEFAP allows Ozarks Food Harvest and their network of charities to support working families in immediate need of food assistance. Just last year, The Food Bank distributed about 3 million meals in TEFAP food across southwest Missouri to help families facing hunger. Through TEFAP, the USDA purchases food from American farmers and manufacturers, meaning this program also benefits the food producers who form the backbone of our economy.

SNAP, also funded by the Farm Bill, is another essential program that supports Ozarks Food Harvest’s mission. The program helps working families purchase nutritious food to put on the table while also supporting the local economy. As families use their SNAP benefits at local retailers, those funds support farmers, truck drivers, grocery stores and other food industry workers statewide. For example, about $1.5 billion in SNAP benefits used during fiscal year 2023 generated $2.3 billion in economic activity throughout our state.

We want our communities to have consistent access to the food they need to thrive. Folks facing hunger in southwest Missouri are our neighbors, friends and family members. They shouldn’t have to worry about feeding their families.

You can make a difference for folks facing hunger in our community by showing your support for SNAP and TEFAP funding. I’m asking for your help in letting our members of Congress know that our community supports programs like SNAP and TEFAP because we know they help our neighbors facing hunger and our community.

Please consider dedicating a few minutes of your time today to reaching out to your congressional representatives through their websites and asking them to prioritize hunger relief funding in the Farm Bill. And if you can, please encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Sen. Josh Hawley, hawley.senate.gov
Sen. Eric Schmitt, schmitt.senate.gov
Rep. Eric Burlison, burlison.house.gov