Ways to Help Families Through the SNAP Funding Pause

As the federal government shutdown continues, many Missourians are bracing for impact. Without a resolution by November 1, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits could be suspended next month, since they rely entirely on government funding. More than one in nine Missourians depend on SNAP benefits.

Springfield’s community is stepping up. Local organizations, including Care to Learn, Crosslines Resource Center, Ozarks Food Harvest and United Way of the Ozarks Region 2-1-1 are banding together to see how they can further help families in preparing for this. 

“Over the past few days, we’ve seen an increase in emergent needs requests, and that’s exactly why we’re here,” says Andrea Harp, director of marketing and communications at Care to Learn. “We’re proud to be one of many local resources available to support families in need, and we’re so grateful to those who have already joined in to help make meeting these needs possible.” 

Want to help local families in need? Here’s where your donations and support can make an impact.

Care to Learn

1047 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
caretolearn.org
Care to Learn is committed to never saying no to those in need. Partnering with local schools, they help families with urgent health, hunger and hygiene needs, so students can focus on learning instead of worrying about their next meal.

Crosslines Resource Center

3055 E. Division St., Springfield
ccozarks.org/programs/crosslines
Crosslines Resource Center helps families in need with emergency food and household support, operating as Greene County’s largest client‑direct food pantry.

Ozarks Food Harvest

2810 N. Cedarbrook Ave., Springfield
ozarksfoodharvest.org
Through their Food Pantry & Program Directory, Ozarks Food Harvest connects families with nearby pantries and distribution sites across the Ozarks. For those looking to give back, every dollar donated translates into three meals for someone in need.

United Way Ozarks Region

320 N. Jefferson Ave., Springfield
uwozarks.org
United Way’s free, confidential 24/7 helpline connects families to food, housing and utility assistance. Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211helps.org to get support fast.

Drew Lewis Foundation

1126 N. Broadway Ave., Springfield
drewlewis.org
The Drew Lewis Foundation hosts a donation-based community pantry, with locations at the former library and the Fairbanks campus. This pantry is completely donation-based, so if you’re able to give, consider picking up a few extra items and dropping them off. They’re also hosting a free community dinner from 5–6 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, at The Fairbanks.

The GLO Center

518 E. Commercial St., Springfield
glocenter.org
On November 3, The GLO Center’s food pantry will stay open later than usual, from 5–7:30 p.m., with the last appointment at 7 p.m. First-time visitors should schedule a consultation with Emilia by noon that day via emilia@glocenter.org to get their order filled that evening.

Springfield Community Gardens

1126 N. Broadway Ave., Springfield
springfieldcommunitygardens.org
Community fridges are stocked around town, including at Midtown Carnegie Library and Library Station, offering access to fresh produce for anyone who needs it.