With SNAP set to lapse, Kehoe directs food funds to older adults, food banks

With funding for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, set to lapse starting Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Gov. Mike Kehoe has directed state funds designed to assist older adults and food banks in Missouri.

Kehoe announced in an Oct. 29 news release that he has directed the transfer of $10.6 million to Missouri Area Agencies on Aging from the Senior Services Growth and Development Fund and $5 million to Missouri food banks from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

"While the state of Missouri cannot fully replace federal SNAP benefits for those who rely on them, we are working to expedite additional funding sources to assist Missouri's senior population and food banks," Kehoe said in the release.

The Senior Services Growth and Development Fund transfer would provide meals to older adults, according to the release, which notes the TANF funding change "takes the place of a regular appropriation typically issued later in the year but is being issued now given an increase in need due [to] the loss of SNAP benefits."

Kehoe's office additionally noted in the release that WIC benefits through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children would continue to be available for redemption in Missouri into November.

"WIC families are encouraged to continue to attend appointments and redeem benefits using their WIC cards until further notice," the release notes.