Missouri Food Banks Face Drop in Federal Aid, Brace for Rising Need

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Food banks across Missouri have lost nearly 1.6 million pounds of federal food aid since May, including large quantities of meat, dairy, and produce.

The loss stems from federal cuts to a USDA program that buys food from American farmers. The Trump administration’s $500 million reduction to The Emergency Food Assistance Program led to the cancellation of 124 scheduled deliveries to Missouri. Feeding Missouri, which coordinates the state’s six regional food banks, says organizations are seeking more private donations to make up for the shortfall. While food banks are not in danger of running out of food, they are preparing for fewer supplies and possible reductions in the amount of food distributed per person.

Leaders also warn that upcoming changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could make the situation worse and increase hunger across the state.