Public News Service

Every five years, the Farm Bill expires and is renewed through a lengthy process of proposal, debate, and approval by Congress, followed by the President's signature to become law. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

MO livestock producers seek fairness in consolidated meat industry

Missouri livestock producers are pushing Congress to restore country-of-origin labeling for beef in the next farm bill, believing it'll boost their …

While Missouri has traditionally ranked in the middle among states in the Annie E. Casey Foundation's annual rankings, it has been declining and now stands at 32nd place. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

From rankings to real insights: Missouri’s Kids Count data

Many folks are familiar with the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book, a look at child well-being in every state. In Missouri, the …

The current version of the Farm Bill is an extension of the 2018 bill, which expired in 2023 and was extended for one year. (Kenishirotie/Adobe Stock)

MO advocates demand fairness in beef labeling, support for small farms

Family farm advocates are pushing for major changes in the new Farm Bill, including reduced subsidies for large factory farms, mandatory beef country-…

An analysis by the National Bureau of Economic Research found the drop in math scores between 2019 and<br />2022 will reduce lifetime earnings by 1.6% for 48 million pandemic-era students, a total of $900 billion in lost income. (Denis Mamin/Adobe Stock)

Data helps map a brighter future for Missouri's children

Missouri children are making strides in overall health but educational challenges remain, according to the 2024 Kids Count Data Book released by the …

The American Heart Association said pregnancy, pre-eclampsia and chronic stress can increase women's risk for high blood pressure, a leading cause of stroke. (Tetiana/Adobe Stock)

Advocates address disparities for women in Missouri's health care system

Women, and particularly Black women, are disproportionately affected by strokes and other health conditions in Missouri. Keetra Thompson, a stroke …

Experts believe increasing access to healthy food is not just about nutrition, it is about addressing disparities and improving overall health outcomes. (ARTFULLY-79/Adobe Stock)

Breaking barriers for health equity with nutritional strategies

Missouri residents are gaining new insights into the powerful role of food in health care as experts and organizations advocate for a shift toward foo…

Operation Food Search distributes $30 million worth of food and necessities each year to 330 community partners in 40 Missouri and Illinois counties. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

MO summit tackles rising child food insecurity as benefits expire

As COVID-era benefits near expiration, a recent Child Wellness Summit brought together nonprofits to tackle urgent child well-being and food-…

Although food insecurity can be faced by anyone, Black and Latino children are twice as likely to face hunger. And in 2022, 33% of single-parent families experienced food insecurity. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

MO gears up for participation in kids' summer food program

Missouri is planning ahead to make sure kids from lower-income families have enough to eat this summer. The state has opted into a federal food …

Smithfield Foods spilled more than 7.3 million gallons of hog waste throughout Missouri according to a public records search by The Socially Responsible Agriculture Project. (Alberto/Adobe Stock)

A California regulation with big Midwest consequences

Family farm advocates in Missouri are concerned a regulation on the other side of the country could have unintended effects on rural Missourians…

Census data from 2020 included population counts of nearly 1,500 race and ethnicity groups and American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and villages. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Report: MO could do better to ensure children's well-being

A new report examined children's well-being in every state and found in Missouri, the outcomes vary greatly depending on race. In its "Race for …

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, reintroduced what is known as the

Livestock manure makes 'big stink' for MO family farmers

Congress passed a one-year extension of the current Farm Bill, which means the debate over a new bill will continue well into 2024. Advocacy groups …

A 2017 report in the New England Journal of Medicine found, among participants with coronary artery disease, fluctuation in body weight was associated with higher mortality and a higher rate of cardiovascular events, independent of traditional risk factors. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Post-holiday 'yo-yo' diets: risk factors for heart health

The holiday season is filled with recipes passed down from years before, and feasting with family and friends. But think again before you have …

the National Young Farmers Coalition delivered a letter to House and Senate Agriculture Committee leadership signed by 175 national, regional and local organizations in support of the Increasing Land Access, Security and Opportunities Act. (Nikish Hiraman/peopleimages.com)

Land-access keeping young farmers from leading climate action

Young farmers in Missouri hope the new farm bill will include key benefits regarding land access so they can continue to pursue farming passionately…

Around 61 million people, nearly 20% of the U.S. population, lives in rural America and subsequently faces more health challenges than those living in more populated areas. (Robert Peak/Adobe stock)

American Heart Association of MO observes National Rural Health Day

On National Rural Health Day, the American Heart Association in Missouri spotlights efforts for healthier rural living. According to a Pew Research …

Family farm advocacy groups have been fighting the proliferation of manure digesters and related factory farm gas infrastructure. They say independent family farms raising livestock sustainably have been shut out of conservation programs due to lack of funding. (Nina Lawrenson/peopleimages.com)

MO family farmers: Inflation Reduction Act funds not for factory farms

Advocates for Missouri's small family farms have taken to the U.S. Capitol today, to talk with lawmakers about what could be done in the next Farm …

Obesity researchers in Missouri have been working on a five-year study of childhood obesity in lower-income families, led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. (Adobe Stock)

MO parents urged to 'lead by example' for kids' heart health

Heart disease takes more than 15,000 lives in Missouri every year, making it the number one cause of death in the state. This is the time of year …

Climate change board games emphasize teamwork and group success. Either all players win together, or no one survives. (dvande/Adobe Stock)

Board games help players understand climate change

By Debra J. Rosenthal for The Conversation.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Missouri News Service for the Public News Service-Conversation …

Many of Missouri's working parents have limited and often unaffordable access to quality child care, resulting in

MO loses $1.35 billion annually due to child care issues

Among Missouri parents surveyed, 30% reported they have limited their working hours or stopped altogether because of unreliable child care. The …

The 340B Drug Pricing Program, a part of the 1992 Public Health Service Act, provides outpatient drugs at deep discounts to safety net providers. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

Missouri community healthcare centers face 340B uncertainty

While large hospitals and pharmaceutical manufacturers battle over drug costs, Missouri community health centers see themselves as collateral damage…

Missouri law allows Medigap enrollees to change Medicare insurance plans at the same coverage level during their anniversary window. (Andrey/Adobe Stock)

Open enrollment means researching your healthcare options

Missourians have plenty of choices when it comes to health insurance coverage - and it's time to gear up for making those decisions. For people on …

The process of recertifying enrollment in Medicaid, which generally had been done on an annual basis before the COVID pandemic, was paused during the Public Health Emergency by federal law in early 2020. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Half Those Losing Medicaid in MO are Children

With the pandemic era ending, Medicaid annual renewals are unwinding in Missouri. Eligibility for Medicaid is being verified and more than 54,000 …

Missouri Healthy Schools, Success-Ready Students (MHSSS) reports the health of students is strongly linked to their success in school.(WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Nutrition Won't Skip a Beat as MO Kids Head Back to School

Many Missouri families struggle to feed their children while school is out for the summer and have been able to get breakfast and lunch at summer yout…

One in nine Missourians was helped by SNAP benefits in 2022. For older Missourians, the average monthly benefit was $119. (Kzenon/Adobe Stock)

MO Ranks Low for Senior Food Security, Health; Steps Being Taken

The latest report ranking the status of seniors by state identifies room for improvement in Missouri, placing the state 40th overall. Although in …

Fighting Bad Health with Good Food in Missouri

Too many Missourians struggle with chronic health conditions and some are looking more closely at their diets to control or even prevent them…

According to Salary.com, Missouri child care workers typically earn between $32,581 and $41,250 annually. (lordn/Adobe Stock)

MO Child Care Experts Elaborate on Issues in 2023 Kids Count Report

The resounding theme of the 2023 Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book is child care shortages and unaffordability. In Missouri, the …

About 227,000 Missouri kids live in poverty. (Adobe Stock)

Programs Target Improving Economic Security for Missouri Families

Missouri has made strides in recent years when it comes to the economic stability of families, but advocates stressed there is more work to be done…

Nearly 40% of meat-packing workers in the United States are immigrants. (Artem Merzlenko/Adobe Stock)

MO Group Receives Grant to Support Immigrant, Refugee Meat-Plant Workers

An organization in rural Missouri is getting a funding boost to empower workers at meat-processing plants, especially immigrants and refugees…

This weekend's Caring Communities Day is about more than just connecting people with resources. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, food trucks and ice cream. (KC LINC)

Kansas City Groups Hold First "Caring Communities Day"

This Saturday, the Kansas City Local Investment Commission (LINC) holds its first "Caring Communities Day." The goal is to provide resources to …

More than 65% of respondents to a food-pantry client survey with children younger than 18 said they participate in free or reduced-cost meal programs at school. (Porokhniak Valentyn/Adobe Stock)

Report: Missouri Food-Pantry Clients Face Hard Choices

A new report finds many Missourians still struggle with food insecurity, and at much higher levels than before the pandemic. Food pantries are …

Some 20% of respondents to a diaper bank survey said they've used a payday or other short-term loan to purchase diapers. (laboko/Adobe Stock)

MO Groups Urge Federal Support for Diaper Banks

Groups in Missouri are urging Congress to pass a full-year, fully funded appropriations bill, instead of a parade of stopgap continuing resolutions …

The prices of beef and veal in the last year have skyrocketed 20%. Fresh fruits and vegetables cost 4% more than this time last year. (goodmanphoto/Adobe Stock)

Missourians, Food Banks Face Inflation, Supply-Chain Issues

Supply-chain issues, inflation and job loss during the pandemic have put many families' food security at risk. In Missouri, hunger remains higher …

Between 2015 and 2019, food insecurity declined 5% statewide, and groups are working to keep that going. (Kimberley Sprenger)

Summer Nutrition Program Includes Meals for Kids to Try On Their Own

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- More than 200,000 Missouri kids are facing food insecurity, according to the Missouri Kids Count 2021 Data Book. Today is the …

One in ten Missouri teens didn't graduate high school on time in 2019, down from 19% in 2010 - though last fall, more than 40% of Missourians planning to pursue higher education either cancelled or reduced course loads. (Tom Wang/Adobe Stock)

Report: MO Children, Families to Benefit from Child Tax Credit Expansion

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri is ranked 30th among states for overall child wellbeing in a new report, and advocates for kids and families say the …

A new national report says the pandemic has exposed holes in safety-net programs and policies designed to protect children from their basic needs going unmet. (Adobe Stock)

Missouri Families Face Added Pressure to Meet Basic Needs

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The ability to meet basic needs is out-of-reach for many Missouri families because of the pandemic. The challenges facing households …

In a new survey, 21% of people said the pandemic has encouraged them to improve their eating habits. (Adobe Stock)

Survey Reveals Shifts in Health Behaviors During Pandemic

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - An annual survey is uncovering the pandemic's impact on health behaviors and attitudes. According to the 2020 …

Empty meat cases seen recently at some grocery stores have been the result of supply chain disruptions, not the availability of meat products. (Indrid_Cold/Flickr)

Consumers Can Go Online to Find Missouri Meats

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - There's a new tool to help both Missouri consumers and farmers affected by recent meat shortages. The Missouri Farm Bureau has …

New Madrid County has the highest rate of food insecurity in Missouri, at more than 17%, data that is exacerbated by the closure of schools. (Nevada Department of Agriculture)

New Story Map Tool Will Track Effect of Pandemic on Kids

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A new online mapping tool being released today will help families and policymakers track the impact of the pandemic on children…

Some Missouri school districts are offering grab-and-go lunches to students while classes are out. (AdobeStock)

COVID-19 Won't Stop Missouri School Meals

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The coronavirus may have shut down schools in Missouri, but it's not stopping efforts to ensure kids have access to nutritious …

Around 2,000 acres of cropland flood damage was reported at just one farm in northwest Missouri in spring 2019. (Jason Johnson Iowa NRCS/Flickr)

Experts Work to Mitigate Effects of Extreme Weather on MO Farms

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri farmers will not be surprised to hear that 2019 was one of the wettest on record, and some experts predict the impact …

Some 680,000 people in Missouri rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table. (Adobe Stock)

Program for Hungry Missourians Could Face Cuts

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Public comment ends today on the Trump administration's third proposal this year for changing SNAP, the program formerly …

Young farmers, age 35 years or less, make up 10% of Missouri farmers while about 25% of farmers were considered new and beginning farmers, with 10 years or less of experience. (pewtrusts.org)

MO Kids to Benefit from 10th Annual Farm-to-Table Event

POTOSI, Mo. – The Washington County Home Grown Tour and Field Dinner will draw a community together in Missouri this weekend, and two students …

A new federal report says antibiotic use in farm animals decreased by about one-third from 2016 to 2017. (takeasnap/Moprguefile)

Plan Announced to Control Use of Antibiotics in Livestock

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The major players in the meat industry have developed what they're calling a "stewardship plan" they say will ensure that …

Missouri students ages 13-17 competed for grant money to help fight hunger and food insecurity in the No Kid Hungry Youth Innovation Challenge. (oukas.info)

Missouri Kids Eager to Solve Food Insecurity

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri school kids were so eager to participate in the "No Kid Hungry Innovation Challenge" that it was a full house …

Missouri's SkillUP program subsidizes the cost of short-term certificate programs for those eligible for SNAP benefits with the goal of helping students and families move forward. (winterpark.org)

MO's "SkillUP" Program Readies SNAP Recipients for Better Jobs

ST. LOUIS – A program in Missouri that promotes employability and self-sufficiency for those enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance …

Mercury and other pollutants threaten fishing in many of Missouri's waterways. (Tanya Impeartrice/Flickr)

Would Kavanaugh's SCOTUS Nomination Endanger MO Waterways?

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Could Judge Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court mean more polluted waterways in Missouri? The state …

Missouri ranked 41st in the nation for the number of residents who saw a dentist in 2016, according to Missouri's Kids Count. (collusion/Pixabay)

Keeping Up With Kids' Dental Health During Summer Vacation

ST. LOUIS — Summer is a time when kids might get away with less sleep and eat fewer meals, but it's not a time dental health should be ignored…

The average monthly SNAP benefit in Missouri is $264.62 per household and $122.57 per person, or only around $1.36 per meal, according to the Missouri Budget Project. (Pixabay)

SNAP Recipients Urge Compassion In Farm Bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – As Congress considers a farm bill that imposes stricter requirements on people receiving Supplemental Nutrition …

The USDA's Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive program provides grants to state and local governments and nonprofit organizations to create incentives for healthier food choices for SNAP recipients. (Columbia Farmers' Market)

Doubling Food Stamp Benefits at Missouri Farmers' Markets

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers' markets are pulling out all of the stops as a guilt-free alternative as many people stuff themselves silly during the …

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MO: Hunger/Food/Nutrition