Missouri Social Services agency assisting families impacted by storms: Food stamp assistance available for storm victims

If you know someone that was affected by the Joplin storm, be sure to pass on to them that help is available.

The Missouri Department of Social Services is assisting families impacted by recent storms in applying for, or replacing food stamps for food purchased that has been lost or damaged. Staff from the Missouri Department of Social Services is ready to assist families at local shelters and local social services offices.

 The Joplin Children’s Division and Family Support Division office at 601 Commercial is open with staff on hand. Social services staff is also at the Forrest Park Baptist Church shelter and the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the Red Cross shelter at Missouri Southern State College’s Leggett and Platt Athletic Center.

Families can also visit or call social services offices in nearby counties. The nearest offices to Joplin include:

Neosho County Family Support Division Customer Service Center- 201 N. Washington, Neosho, Mo. 64850, 417-455-5152 

 Lawrence County Family Support Division Office- 1419 East Church St., Aurora, Mo. 65605, 417-678-4138

 Barton County Family Support Division Office- 501 West 13th St., Larmar, Mo. 64759, 417-682-3531

Food stamps are a federally funded assistance program that can only be used to buy food, or plants and seeds that grow food, at stores authorized by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.  Food stamps cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages, tobacco, hot foods or foods prepared for immediate consumption - such as fast-food or concessions.