Due to the federal government shutdown, the Missouri Department of Social Services has communicated that it will not receive the necessary federal funding for it to issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) benefits in November. Women Infants & Children (WIC) and senior center services are also expected to be impacted.
While a resolution may still be reached on the shutdown, funding is not expected to resume until December at the earliest. The Alliance of Southwest Missouri, One Joplin, Carthage Area United Way, and the United Way of Southwest Missouri & Southeast Kansas recognize the anxiety this situation creates for many area residents who depend on these benefits to meet basic nutritional needs.
More than 12% of southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas residents receive some type of food support each month — about 48,000 people.
On average, SNAP benefits alone provide about $400 per household per month in food support — a critical resource for families working to ensure their basic needs are met. Food insecurity is a very real stress for families, seniors, and individuals.
How can you help your neighbors during this time?
- Check out an up-to-date local resource directory, which includes food pantry locations, available online here.
- If you are able to, support local food pantries with donations of food or gift cards, financial donations, or volunteer your time/
- If you are an employer, check with employees for impact and share resource information or giving opportunities.
- Consider hosting a food drive by partnering with a local agency to determine specific needs. Please remember that local food pantries are experiencing very high demand and you may need to coordinate delivery of food to the location.
- Hang up posters around your office or other community areas by emailing contact@unitedwaymokan.org.
Uncertainty can be difficult, but communities are strongest when they work together. The Alliance, One Joplin, and your local United Ways stand ready to support neighbors and partner agencies in the weeks ahead.
If you or someone you know needs additional assistance or information, please visit One Joplin’s resource page or United Way’s resource page. You may also call 211.
About The Alliance of Southwest Missouri:
The Alliance of Southwest Missouri exists to make Southwest Missouri the safest place for kids to thrive. The Alliance identifies concerns, locates resources, and facilitates change through community collaborations, education, and prevention work in Jasper, Newton, Barton, and McDonald County. Our programs exist to prevent childhood abuse, injury, and death by helping children and the adults in their lives in making safer choices and creating safer environments.
About One Joplin:
One Joplin facilitates collaboration and communication among area organizations to identify and meet community needs in Poverty, Human Services, Health, and Literacy. Founded in 2015, One Joplin engages individuals and organizations from every sector to impact community needs.
References:
Jen Black, Executive Director
The Alliance of Southwest Missouri
417.782.9899
Nicole Brown, Executive Director
One Joplin
417.726.9123
Director@OneJoplin.com
Amy DeArmond, Interim Executive Director
The United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas
417.624.0153
contact@unitedwaymokan.org
Kim Bausinger, Executive Director
The United Way of Carthage
417.358.2948
office@carthageuw.org
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