Federal food assistance program to launch in Missouri following delays

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KFVS) - The state’s Department of Social Services announced the beginning of a new federal food assistance program in Missouri.

Missouri opted into the program last year, which was meant to provide $120 in food assistance to eligible families, making up for a nutrition deficit created by the loss of school lunches during the summer.

“Families whose children depend on school breakfasts and lunches may struggle to access healthy meals during the summer,” said Kim Evans, Family Division Director. “The SuN Bucks Program takes tangible steps to address childhood hunger and our young ones to thrive and stay healthy throughout the summer.”

istrative and technical issues have plagued the system, delaying the program’s Show Me state rollout.

Specific households have already been approved for benefits and will not need to apply for the program. These include students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch during the school year,

Children in households that are already enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or temporary assistance and students who are in foster care, are experiencing homelessness, or are migrants.

Families that do not fall into one of the above categories must apply for the program online by Aug. 31.

Benefits will expire 122 days after being sent out, even if they’re unused.

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