Governor Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Department of Social Services announce State Team Member Food Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2025

CONTACT: [email protected]

Governor Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Department of Social Services announce State Team Member Food Drive

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - As the federal government shutdown continues to impact families across Missouri who rely on federal nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Missouri state team members are coming together to support their neighbors through a statewide food drive running from November 3 through December 12.

The initiative encourages state team members across all departments and offices to donate nonperishable food items or monetary contributions to benefit regional food banks across Missouri. Feeding Missouri is coordinating with the State of Missouri to provide donation barrels at several identified state office buildings across Missouri.

"The ongoing federal shutdown has added strain and uncertainty for some of our neighbors, and local food banks will be seeing more families walk through their doors," said Governor Mike Kehoe. "Claudia and I hope that state team members will join us in doing what they can to volunteer, donate, and support their local food banks. Our team members have always shown what it means to serve with heart, and together we will show that the strength of Missouri lies in its people."

On October 29, Governor Kehoe announced additional steps the State of Missouri has taken to expedite food assistance for at-risk Missourians, including an early release of $5 million to Missouri food banks using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding.

Regional food banks and their local partners provide vital support to families, seniors, children, and veterans. All state team member donations will remain in Missouri and go directly toward feeding families and local communities in need.

"When challenges come our way, Missourians don't wait for someone else to step up - we take care of each other," said Director Jess Bax, Department of Social Services. "From organizing local collection drives to volunteering their time, state team members are finding ways to give back. Their response reflects the true spirit of public service in that even during challenging times, Missourians will step up and serve with compassion and generosity."

The State of Missouri is partnering with Feeding Missouri, a collation of six regional food banks that serve all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis. This partnership ensures every donation reaches Missourians in need quickly and efficiently. Feeding Missouri and its local food banks provide critical support to families year-round, especially as the holidays and winter season bring increased financial strain.

"Feeding Missouri's network is working tirelessly to make sure families, seniors, children, and veterans have food on the table - but the needs are far exceeding our resources, and we cannot do it alone,"said Leigh Anne Haun, Executive Director of Feeding Missouri. "This partnership reminds us that public service is about people helping people. Together, we can make sure every Missourian has what they need during tough times."

For more information about how to participate, find a drop-off location, or make a monetary contribution, visit FeedingMissouri.org.

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