Thousands of Missourians could go without food stamps if waiver expires

See Related Stories

Intro:	Thousands of Missourians could lose access to food stamps if the state decides not to act on an expiring waiver.
RunTime:	0:42
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Under a 17-year-old federal waiver, able-bodied, unemployed adults without dependents can qualify for food stamps in Missouri.

But the State Department of Social Services is proposing a new version that would only apply to counties with unemployment rates higher than 10 percent.

Supporters say the economy is turning around and the program is getting too expensive.

But Missouri Food Bank Association Director Scott Baker sees a different side of the story.

Actuality:	SBAKER2.WAV
Run Time:	00:07
Description: "There are more and more people going to food pantries in the state of Missouri, so that doesn't speak to any kind of improvement in the economy as far as I can tell."

The Secretary of State's Office is expected to release details on the proposed change November 1st.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Turner.

Intro:	Tens of thousands of Missourians will get kicked off food stamps if the state allows a waiver to expire.
RunTime:	0:41
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Unemployed, able-bodied adults without dependents can qualify for federal food stamps in Missouri.

But the State Department of Social Services proposed to restrict eligibility to counties with unemployment rates higher than 10 percent.

Supporters say new rules will encourage people to find work.

But Missouri Association for Social Welfare Director Jeanette Oxford says laziness isn't the issue.

Actuality:	OXFORD1.WAV
Run Time:	00:09
Description: "Making people hungry does nothing to actually improve our economy in any way. Hunger is actually a debilitator rather than a motivator when it comes to employment."

The AP reports 58,000 adults currently receiving food stamps do not qualify under the proposed change.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Turner.

Intro:	The Governor's office refuses to comment on one of his agency's proposals to kick tens of thousands off of food stamps.
RunTime:	0:40
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: A federal waiver gives unemployed, able-bodied adults without dependents access to food stamps in Missouri.

Western Missouri Republican Senator Will Kraus says the economy is turning around and the temporary waiver is no longer needed.

Actuality:	KRAUS1.WAV
Run Time:	00:11
Description: "I believe everyone has the ability to get the food that they need. We have these programs out there that are safety nets, food stamps and other programs, that allow people to get food in their times of need."

But Missouri Food Bank Association Director Scott Baker says the number of people dependant on food stamps is rising.

The AP reports 58,000 current food stamp recipients do not qualify under the proposed change.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Turner.