Missourians Need Help

Intro: With the economy in a decline more Missourians need outside help.

Max Reiss (Reece) has more from Jefferson City.

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Missourians are hit hard by Wall Street markets in free fall.

Missouri Association for Social Welfare Executive Director Robert Quinn says people from different backgrounds, not just the poor, have had to take advantage of community services.

Quinn says the tables have turned on some folks.

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Description: "We've had food pantries that report that people who actually used to be donors, who would come and bring donations for the food pantry, those same people, now, are coming through the doors because they need help."

The Missouri Department of Social Services said the number of people signed up for food stamps and welfare remained constant without any significant jump since the initial economic bailout bill failed last week.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Max Reiss. 1120 KMOX News.

Intro: The Missouri Association for Social Welfare says more people are showing up for meals at shelters and food pantries.

Max Reiss (Reece) has more from Jefferson City.

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The Department of Social Services says the number of people in the state who want help remains constant without any big change.

But there are definitely signs that Missourians feel the economic downturn.

Missouri Association for Social Welfare Head Robert Quinn says community services are pushed to the limit with fewer resources and more people.

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Description: Food pantries are running out of food faster. That they're. And the other thing that they're seeing is that people that used to come to the food pantry in an emergency situation are now coming there every time that they can.

Quinn also said people who used to donate to food pantries are now the ones that need the help.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Max Reiss. 1120 KMOX News.

Intro: Food pantries across the state struggle to keep up with increased traffic.

Max Reiss (Reece) has more from Jefferson City.

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The economic struggles facing the country are taking grips on Missourians.

Missouri Association for Social Welfare Head Robert Quinn says certain community services are spread thin since last week.

Quinn said people uncommon to food pantries are beginning to show up.

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Description: "They were seeing people come through their doors that were not sort of the typical clients that they, that they usually see. These were people that they wouldn't have seen two years ago or five years ago. People who had good, middle class, white collar jobs, living in nice homes."

The Missouri Department of Social Services said there has been no noticeable increase in the number of people requesting food stamps or welfare assistance since last week.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Max Reiss. 1120 KMOX News.