The U.S. House Agriculture Committee recently approved a proposal that would make it harder to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), reduce benefits and make other changes. These changes are part of a larger tax and spending bill that the full House is expected to vote on in July.

SNAP helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy food each month. Eligibility is based on income, household size and other factors. In Missouri, the program is managed by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

In fiscal year 2024, an average of 655,264 Missourians received SNAP benefits each month, according to DSS. The average household received $397 per month, or about $196 per person. The total amount of benefits issued in Missouri was more than $1.5 billion. Nearly 70% of SNAP recipients in the state are children, older adults or people with disabilities.

In Missouri, MU Extension leads SNAP-Ed, which provides free nutrition education through schools, community centers, food banks and other local partners. Jo Britt-Rankin, extension professor in the MU Department of Health Sciences and director of MU Extension SNAP-Ed, is available for interviews about SNAP, SNAP-Ed and how the proposed changes could affect Missourians.

To schedule an interview, contact Britt-Rankin at britt-rankinj@umsystem.edu or 573-882-4067.

Learn more about MU Extension’s Family Nutrition Education Program at http://muext.us/fnep.