SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has announced a $5 million distribution to food banks across the state to expedite food assistance.

The funding, sourced from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), is being distributed earlier than usual due to the ongoing government shutdown and anticipated reductions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits expected to start on November 1.

"We have to gear up now to make sure that we have food in our warehouse and that it is ready to be distributed out to our agencies," said Jordan Browning, Communications Director at Ozarks Food Harvest, highlighting the preparation needed to meet increased demand.

Ozarks Food Harvest has proactively purchased $500,000 worth of food to ensure they can continue supporting th

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