KC Reporter

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) have announced that the state has submitted a waiver request to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The waiver seeks changes to Missouri’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), aiming to prioritize healthy food purchases and support local agriculture.

Governor Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-30, directing DSS to prepare and submit this waiver. The order focuses on encouraging SNAP recipients to buy foods with higher nutritional value, while discouraging those high in added sugars and ultra-processed ingredients.

“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 SNAP program is designed to provide food assistance for low-income families in Missouri, supplementing their grocery budgets and promoting nutritious diets essential for health.

“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 of DSS. “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.”

The executive order also instructs DSS leadership to explore strategies that would further encourage buying fresh fruits, vegetables, as well as meats and dairy products produced within Missouri. This could involve enhancing programs like "Double Up Food Bucks," which offer additional financial incentives for purchasing healthy foods.

Proposed modifications would expand eligible items under SNAP to include a range of whole or minimally processed foods such as fresh produce; meat, fish, poultry; dairy; whole grains; bread products; legumes; among others. Additionally, Governor Kehoe expressed interest in seeking an extra waiver permitting hot ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken as an affordable protein source.

Missouri ranks highly among national agricultural producers across several categories relevant for healthy eating options.

“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 from the 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.”

The submission marks the start of a 30-day public comment period within Missouri. State officials anticipate engaging stakeholders throughout what is expected be a year-long process before full implementation if USDA approval is granted. The projected rollout date is October 1, 2026.

For more information about Executive Order 25-30 or details regarding the waiver request itself—including how residents can participate during public comment—documents can be accessed via official government websites.