The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers a monthly benefit to help those in need buy food and food products. SNAP helps low-income people buy the food they need for good health, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Through its outreach efforts, USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) works with state and local agencies, advocates, employers, community and faith-based organizations, and others to reach out to eligible low-income people who are not currently participating in SNAP to share information about the nutrition benefits of SNAP to help them make an informed participation decision.

In Missouri, SNAP is administered through the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS). DSS has partnered with the University of Missouri and Feeding Missouri to assist individuals and families who need assistance in completing the SNAP application.

The SNAP for U Project was developed through a collaboration of MOCAN’s Food Systems Work Group members in 2020. The goals of the project are to gain information surrounding food insecurity in Missouri’s college and technical school students, spread awareness of the data collected, and ultimately end stigma and provide assistance to college students applying for and utilizing SNAP benefits. Learn more about this project.

Need help stretching your food dollars?

Contact your local SNAP resource center or go online to mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance, or call MU Extension’s Show Me Nutrition line at 888-515-0016. MU Extension Nutrition Program Associates can assist persons needing to complete a SNAP application in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis. Enter your county in the search bar on our Locations page to find your local office and contact them for assistance.