Missouri to Resume Food Stamp Interviews

(Jefferson City, Mo) - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has not responded to Missouri's request to continue to waive required interviews for Food Stamp/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for new applicants and recipients undergoing recertification.

Due to COVID-19, the USDA previously approved Department of Social Services (DSS) waiver requests to temporarily suspend interviews. Without USDA approval of a waiver, Missouri must resume the interview requirement beginning July 1. For the health and safety of Missourians, the Family Support Division is conducting the Food Stamp/SNAP interviews by telephone only for July.  

Once the client has submitted an application or recertification, the Family Support Division will call to conduct the interview.  A household that fails to comply with the interview requirement could be denied or lose a Food Stamp/SNAP benefit. As of May 31, 2020, there are 367,610 Missouri households receiving SNAP benefit.