- Harvesters tracked and opposed bills HB 2481 and SB 1616 that would have added unnecessary administrative burdens to SNAP and Medicaid enrollment processes. While these bills were framed as efforts to prevent undocumented immigrants from receiving benefits, undocumented immigrants are already ineligible for these programs under both state and federal law. The proposals would have created additional paperwork and verification requirements that often make it harder for eligible families, seniors, and children to access critical assistance. Fortunately, these bills did not pass this session.
- Lawmakers also introduced several bills in both the Missouri House and Senate aimed at expanding access to free school meals for children. Unfortunately, none of these proposals advanced to the hearing stage. Harvesters remains committed to supporting policies that ensure children have reliable access to nutritious meals so they can learn, grow, and thrive.
- Additionally, Harvesters was monitoring several bills that proposed extending Missouri’s Donated Food Pantry Tax Credit. Unfortunately, those proposals did not make meaningful progress this session and are unlikely to advance further. The current tax credit is set to sunset at the end of this year and fully terminate on September 1, 2027. The tax credit has been an important tool to encourage agricultural donations that help food banks and food pantries provide nutritious food to neighbors facing hunger.
