Report Finds Missouri Has One Of Nation’s Fastest-Growing Food Stamp Programs

Missouri has one of the fastest-growing food stamp programs in the nation. A report from a national group that studies hunger issues says the number of people who’ve gone onto the program in Missouri in the last five years is up by 77 percent. The Food Research and Action Center says that’s the sixth-largest percentage increase in the country. The State Director of Family Support, Denise Cross, says part of the growth is tied to a changing jobs picture in Missouri. Part of it also is linked to more aggressive efforts by her divison to make sure that those who are eligible can get help. She says 737,000 Missourians – men, women, and children – are in the program.