Joint statement from One Joplin, The Alliance of SW Missouri, Carthage Area United Way, and United Way of SW Missouri and SE Kansas
Due to the federal government shutdown, the Missouri Department of Social Services has communicated that it will not receive the necessary federal funding to issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November. Women Infants & Children (WIC) funding and Senior Center services are also expected to be impacted.
While a resolution to the shutdown may still be reached, funding is not expected to resume until December at the earliest. The Alliance of Southwest Missouri, One Joplin, Carthage Area United Way, and United Way of Southwest Missouri & Southeast Kansas recognize the anxiety this situation creates for many of our neighbors who depend on these benefits to meet basic nutritional needs.
More than 12% of Southwest Missouri & Southeast Kansas’ 390,000 residents receive food support each month – over 48,000 individuals, including children. On average in Missouri, SNAP benefits alone provide about $400 per household per month in food support—a critical resource for families working to ensure their family’s basic needs are met.
Many residents of Southwest Missouri & Southeast Kansas are also struggling to pay their rent and utility bills. Among individuals calling for this type of assistance, most report receiving SNAP benefits, underscoring how overlapping financial challenges affect households across our region. We understand the very real stress this creates for families, seniors, and individuals.
We know that uncertainty can be difficult, but our community is strongest when we work together. The Alliance, One Joplin, and United Way stand ready to support our neighbors and partner agencies in the weeks ahead.
We remain proactive in helping families within our communities:
- There is an up-to-date local resource directory, which includes food pantry locations, available online at https://onejoplin.com/community-resources/food/.
- We are encouraging individuals who are able, to support local food pantries with donations of food or gift cards, financial donations, or volunteering – giving links are provided for many of the local pantries.
- Employers are encouraged to check with employees for impact and share resource information or giving opportunities.
- If you wish to host a food drive, we encourage you to partner with one of the agencies on the list to determine their specific needs. Please remember these pantries are experiencing very high demand and you may need to coordinate delivery of food to the location.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance or information, please visit https://onejoplin.com/community-resources/food/, https://www.unitedwaymokan.org/help or call 211.
Together, we will continue building a community where everyone has the opportunity to live healthy, stable, and secure lives.
Thank you,
Jen Black- The Alliance of SW Missouri
Nicole Brown- One Joplin
Kim Bausinger- Carthage Area United Way
Amy DeArmond- United Way of SW Missouri and SE Kansas