How to Support Families During Missouri’s Abrupt SNAP Benefit Halt
What Is Happening
The Missouri Department of Social Services (MDSS) recently announced that November 2025 SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, formerly known as food stamps, will not be issued due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This affects more than 650,000 Missourians, many of whom depend on SNAP to feed their families and cover basic nutritional needs, reports KMBC 9 News. For households already balancing tight budgets, missing a month of benefits can create added stress and uncertainty around when they’ll have their next meal.
Why This Sudden Change
SNAP is 100% federally funded, and with the shutdown halting federal operations, states like Missouri are unable to access the necessary funds to distribute benefits, according to the MDSS FAQ.
How You Can Help
Support Local Food Banks and Pantries
The pause in benefits can be especially difficult for families who may stretch limited resources or skip meals. Organizations and local food banks are preparing for a surge in demand and could use support in multiple ways:
- Food donations (non-perishables, baby formula, canned goods).
- Financial contributions to help purchase bulk food supplies.
- Volunteers to help sort, pack, and distribute food.
Some area organizations accepting donations and volunteers include:
| Crosslines Ministries of Joplin 320 S School Ave Joplin, MO 64801 | Souls Harbor Joplin 917 S Main St. Joplin, MO 64801 |
| Watered Gardens 531 Kentucky Ave Joplin, MO 64801 | Mission Joplin 725 Highview Ave Joplin, MO 64801 |
| Webb City CARES 30 S Jefferson St. Webb City, MO |
Even small contributions, whether donating your time, money, or food, can make a meaningful difference for families during this abrupt stop in SNAP funding.
Disclosure: Links to articles included in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and obtained from sources believed to be reliable. The inclusion of such links does not imply an affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement by TrueNorth Wealth & Impact.
