(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)Today, Governor Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced that the State of Missouri has submitted a waiver request to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to alter Missouri's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to refocus the program and support the purchase of healthy foods.
Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-30, ordering the Director of DSS to prepare and submit a waiver to FNS to alter Missouri's SNAP program in a manner that prioritizes healthy foods and nutritional value, discourages foods that are high in added sugar and ultra processed, and supports Missouri agriculture.
“Healthy and nutritionally secure Missouri families are critical to supporting a path to self-sufficiency and, ultimately, a thriving state,” said Governor Kehoe. “Under the Trump administration, states are taking action to ensure that taxpayer dollars are better used to promote healthy, nutritious food purchases. With approximately $1.5 billion in annual SNAP benefits issued in Missouri, we must refocus our SNAP program to maximize nutritional health for families while also supporting the abundant agricultural output of our state.”
The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is administered by the State of Missouri to provide food assistance for low-income Missouri families to supplement their grocery budgets and encourage the consumption of nutritious food essential to health and well-being.
“With this waiver request, we are looking to refocus Missouri's SNAP program to further prioritize healthy foods that truly benefit the well-being of Missouri families,” said Director Jess Bax, Missouri Department of Social Services. “I appreciate Governor Kehoe's leadership in advancing the health of Missourians and supporting Missouri agriculture. Our department is eager to begin working alongside key stakeholders, including public health and nutrition experts, SNAP beneficiaries and administrators, and related business and industry representatives on the implementation process and further incentivizing healthy food purchases.”
Governor Kehoe's executive order also calls for the Director of DSS to explore and recommend strategies to further incentivize the purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, and Missouri-produced meats and dairy products within the SNAP program by utilizing and enhancing existing Missouri healthy food education and access programs, such as the "Double Up Food Bucks" initiative, which provides additional financial benefits for healthy food purchases.
Governor Kehoe's executive order calls for modifications to Missouri’s SNAP program designed to refocus the program to support the purchase of a wide variety of whole and minimally processed healthy food categories, including, but not limited to:
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Meat, fish, poultry, and other proteins
Dairy products
Whole grains and bread products
Legumes
Governor Kehoe has also committed to exploring an additional waiver request to allow for the purchase of hot, ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken – an affordable source of protein.
Missouri is a leading national agricultural producer in a variety of food commodities that provide healthy, sustainable dietary options for Missourians.
“Incentivizing the purchase of nutritious, locally-sourced agricultural products through the SNAP program will not only support a healthier population but also strengthen Missouri's agricultural industry,” said Director Chris Chinn, Missouri Department of Agriculture. “From farmers markets and local produce stands to grocery stores across the state, Missouri farmers and ranchers are proud to play a role in this effort to better the health and well-balanced diets of families.”
Meat, fish, poultry, and other proteins
Dairy products
Whole grains and bread products
Legumes
Governor Kehoe has also committed to exploring an additional waiver request to allow for the purchase of hot, ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken – an affordable source of protein.
Missouri is a leading national agricultural producer in a variety of food commodities that provide healthy, sustainable dietary options for Missourians.
“Incentivizing the purchase of nutritious, locally-sourced agricultural products through the SNAP program will not only support a healthier population but also strengthen Missouri's agricultural industry,” said Director Chris Chinn, Missouri Department of Agriculture. “From farmers markets and local produce stands to grocery stores across the state, Missouri farmers and ranchers are proud to play a role in this effort to better the health and well-balanced diets of families.”
Missouri's waiver request was sent to USDA today, opening a 30-day public comment period in Missouri. As this is the first step in this process, Governor Kehoe and his cabinet welcome stakeholder engagement throughout the year-long process to refocus the SNAP program.
The estimated implementation date of Missouri's waiver, following USDA approval and extensive stakeholder engagement, would be October 1, 2026.
To view Governor Kehoe's Executive Order 25-30, click here. A copy of the waiver request with additional details is available here.
6 comments:
At some time or another everyone needs a helping hand. Yet, what we have done in our country is create generational families who live off of our governmental programs, never getting off them, or finding jobs to get out of poverty. The government has just handed out money in the past never requiring the participants to purchase healthy items with the Taxpayers Money. With the new laws that restrict the purchase of non-nutritious items like soda and candy those who are on the SNAP program will be required to use taxpayer dollars to provide nutritious options that improve health outcomes. The US Ranks 10th globally in obesity, costing $Billions of additional Dollars in Healthcare due to continual bad eating habits of sugars in our daily diet. Life is about accountability, if you are living off of taxpayer's money be grateful and strive to get yourself out of your current situation.
Probably will have more Snap program Adults going Tricker Treating this year to stock up on candy!
Nothing was said whatsoever about restricting items like soda so you are talking out your ass
The liquor store located north of my hometown has an EBT sign in the window. Always nice to know that the EBT crowd is able to get some snacks with their card while they pay cash for their booze and smokes.
7:38AM, Let me educate you Karen or Kevin. The US Taxpayers are tired of subsidizing people that take advantage of the system. They make bad food choices and buy non-nutritional items with Taxpayer's money. This then leads to obesity and additional health issues. On top of that the majority of these individuals don't work, get section 8 housing, paid Medicaid, and other programs, while living on the Government Rolls. Part of the new rules, will require these same individuals to work not just get a continual handout the rest of their lives - everyone needs accountability - not just free rides or money.
In 2026, Missouri SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits will include updated Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) amounts and potentially new rules as a waiver is submitted by the state to restrict purchases of unhealthy foods, with an estimated implementation date of October 1, 2026, pending USDA approval. The proposed changes, driven by Governor Mike Kehoe, aim to prioritize the purchase of healthy, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and meats, while discouraging sugary and ultra-processed items. Additionally, the federal rule now requires Missouri SNAP recipients aged 18 to 64 to work at least 80 hours per month
Work Requirements
As of July 2025, the federal rules for the SNAP program changed, increasing the maximum age for work requirements to 64, up from 54.
More government cuts while the politicians rake in cash hand over fist. But no, let's be upset because someone wants a snack. You're all animals
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