According to DHEWD's most recent Equity Report, more than half of Missouri Students have experienced food insecurity at some point during their college career. Many students are unaware of the resources that may be available to them such as SNAP Benefits and Food Pantries.
As a result, the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) has partnered with the Department of Social Services (DSS) and several Missouri Institutions of Higher Education across the state to make social services easily accessible for college students and staff.
This goes beyond SNAP benefits. The Missouri Department of Social Services (MO DSS) is responsible for coordinating programs to provide:
- Public assistance to help Missourians with food stamps, health care, childcare, child support, blind services, and other basic needs.
- Health care coverage for eligible Missourians.
- Child welfare services to help ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of Missouri children.
- Specialized assistance to troubled teens.
- Energy assistance
- Services for families to help with individual and family counseling and much more.
- Skill UP can help recipients gain skills, training and employer connections to help get a job or a better job. It can also help pay for childcare, transportation, and work expenses.
All qualifying students, faculty, and staff can go to their campus social worker to apply for benefits.
Currently Participating Schools
- Lindenwood University: Fridays
- Logan University: Thursdays
- Missouri State Southern University: Tuesdays
- North Central Missouri College: Wednesdays
- Park University: Wednesdays
- Rockhurst University: Wednesdays
- Ozarks Technical Community College: Thursdays
- Harris-Stowe University: TBD
- STLCC - Florissant: TBD
- STLCC - Meramec: TBD
- STLCC - Forest Park: Fridays