Missouri governor responds to criticism of state's handling of summer meals program
An exclusive NBC News analysis based on responses from all 50 states showed Missouri was the only one not to opt in to a federal waiver that permitted grab-and-go meals.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Mike Parson defended Missouri’s handling of its free summer meals program Wednesday, a day after NBC News revealed the state was the only one not to allow to-go meals this summer — leading to a dramatic drop in food distributed to kids.
An exclusive NBC News analysis based on responses from all 50 states showed Missouri was the only one not to opt in to a federal waiver that permitted program operators to offer grab-and-go meals. The pandemic-era benefit vastly expanded access to the Summer Food Service Program by giving families the flexibility to take meals home rather than requiring kids to eat on site at set times.
Those who ran the program across the state said Missouri’s decision not to take advantage of the relaxed rules meant up to 97% fewer meals were distributed compared to last summer.
Erin McAlvany's family eat a meal site in Kirksville, Mo., on Aug. 16.Arin Yoon for NBC NewsNews that Missouri was the lone state to require that all summer meals be eaten at meal sites prompted furor on social media, much of it directed at Parsons, the state’s Republican governor.
“Missouri government declines to feed children,” tweeted Randi McCallian, a Missouri Democrat running for the U.S. House.
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