SPEAK OUT TO SAVE ESSENTIAL PROGRAMS!
West Central Missouri Community Action Agency (“West Central”) is sounding the alarm following the release of the President’s FY2026 budget proposal, which eliminates funding for key programs that serve thousands of families across rural Missouri. These include the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
“These proposed cuts would devastate working families, seniors, and communities already on the edge,” said Mary Lou Schussler, CEO of West Central. “From keeping the heat on to keeping a roof overhead, these programs provide stability and opportunity. They are not excess—they are essential.”
Contact your elected officials (click here for link) to voice support for these essential services and ensure rural families aren’t left behind. Click here for a sample letter.
WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM
At this time, we regret to inform you that due to funding interruptions at the federal level, we are currently unable to provide weatherization services. We understand how vital these services are to our community, and we’re working diligently to resume operations as soon as funding is restored.
In the meantime, we will continue to accept weatherization applications so that we’re ready to move forward once funding becomes available.
We also want to let you know that our Home Repair Program is still active. If you are a homeowner who has owned your home for three years or longer, you may be eligible for assistance through this program.
Additionally, we encourage you to contact your U.S. Senator or Congressional Representative to advocate for the restoration of federal funding for weatherization programs. Your voice can help bring these essential services back to our community.
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and support.
West Central Responds to State Announcement on November SNAP Benefits
APPLETON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced that November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits cannot be issued at this time due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and the temporary loss of federal funds. SNAP benefits are fully federally funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS), which has notified states that sufficient November funds are not currently available.
State officials say they are monitoring developments closely and will issue benefits as soon as federal funds are restored. DSS encourages households to monitor updates and, if possible, stretch remaining October benefits into November.
West Central Missouri Community Action Agency (West Central) expressed concern for the thousands of Missouri families who could face food insecurity in the coming weeks as a result of this temporary loss of benefits.
“Many of those affected are our clients, neighbors, and friends,” said Mary Lou Schussler, CEO. “We want families to know they are not alone, and that resources still exist in our communities. We are here to help connect them to food support during this period of uncertainty.”
West Central Resources Available Now
West Central can help families connect to immediate local food resources:
- West Central food pantries are available in Raymore and Appleton City
- A full listing of food pantries across our nine-county region is available at org/food-pantries
- Mobile Action Center (MAC) staff can also provide local referrals and information during scheduled community visits See wcmcaa.org/mac-schedule
How the Community Can Help: Step Up, Speak Out, Stand With Our Communities
West Central is encouraging residents, partners, and local organizations to take action in support of families who may be affected:
- Spread the word: Share information through programs, workplaces, churches, and community networks to ensure families know where to find help.
- Advocate: Support continued funding of SNAP and other emergency food resources that prevent hunger in rural Missouri.
- Take action: Donate to local food banks and pantries, encourage contributions, or organize a food drive to support increased community need.
Food banks across Missouri, through the Feeding Missouri network, report they are preparing for higher demand. While they stand ready to help, they stress the need for community support to meet the expected increase in assistance requests.
West Central Will Keep the Public Informed
West Central will continue to monitor updates from Missouri DSS and USDA-FNS, and will share new information with community partners, program participants, and the public as it becomes available.
For statewide updates and official information, visit: mydss.mo.gov/federal-shutdown-impacts
For local food resources and support, visit: wcmcaa.org/food-pantries