Empower Missouri

09/04/2026

For older Missourians, rising food prices can force impossible choices: pay the grocery bill, the utility bill, or fill the pantry.

No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and making ends meet.⬇️

Inflation in food prices can hit even harder for people in their 60s and older as they also juggle fixed incomes, health problems and changes in federal law. Experts say the age group is a “forgotten population” when it comes to food insecurity.

09/04/2026

We believe court reminders should be accessible by default, helping reduce unnecessary jail stays while saving taxpayer dollars. The impact that just a single night in jail can have on an individual, like Valerie, and those that depend on them, cannot be overstated.
For additional reading ⬇️
empowermissouri.org/mass-incarceration-in-your-backyard/

09/03/2026

St. Louis is investing in keeping families housed, because stable communities are built on stable homes. 🏠 It’s time Springfield does the same: a fully funded Right to Counsel program, investing in the stability of our families & neighbors is an investment in our future.

stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2026-08-27/st-louis-right-counsel-expansion-efforts

Nearly three years after its inception, St. Louis’ right to counsel program has struggled to meet the demand of people facing evictions.

09/03/2026

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT ✨
At the 2026 Anti-Poverty Advocates Summit, we welcome Jessica Trout with MO Immigration Policy Coalition/Center for Social Action, whose session will include data from a variety of MIPC partners, reviewing the policies and practices in Missouri targeting immigrants and refugees, especially international populations of color.
Tickets for the 2026 Anti-Poverty Advocates Summit here ⬇
EmpowerMissouri.org/summit/

09/02/2026

Wondering what is going on here in Missouri? Stay informed, stay engaged.
Don't miss out on our Newsletter - where we cover community justice, food security, and affordable housing.

Subscribe here for updates. ⬇
https://secure.everyaction.com/vfIi1dOp_k6vkcrmt8l8OA2

09/02/2026

Empower Missouri hopes that the new director, Valerie Moseley, will be committed to transparency and will have a willingness to listen to advocates sounding the alarm on the conditions inside Missouri prisons.
komu.com/news/midmissourinews/gov-kehoe-announces-new-director-of-missouri-department-of-corrections/article_77c7ee49-0159-4b58-9751-5fc3f7de9c41.html

Gov. Mike Kehoe announced Tuesday that Valarie Moseley will serve as the next director of the Missouri Department of Corrections.

09/01/2026

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT ✨
At the 2026 Anti-Poverty Advocates Summit, we welcome Todd Combs & Mark Doyle with Washington University in St. Louis - They’ll lead an interactive session presented by the Food and Agriculture Research Mission (FARM), focused on advancing food and agriculture through a public health centered approach and expanding access to healthy, sustainable diets.
Tickets for the 2026 Anti-Poverty Advocates Summit here ⬇
EmpowerMissouri.org/summit/

09/01/2026

Our next Advocates Book Club discussion will center on 'Ruin Their Crops on the Ground: The Politics of Food in the United States, from the Trail of Tears to School Lunch' by Andrea Freeman! We'll meet September 16th to chat about this book and its connection to our work!
RSVP here ⬇️
Empowermissouri.org/events/advocates-book-club-ruin-their-crops-on-the-ground/

08/31/2026

Empower Missouri’s Advocacy Accelerator gives emerging advocates the tools, training, and support to create meaningful change in their communities. Ready to level up your advocacy?

Learn more & apply at empowermissouri.org/advocacy-accelerator/

08/31/2026

This year, Empower Missouri is hosting it's 125th Anti-Poverty Advocates Summit. On October 1st & 2nd, we are headed to Columbia, MO to meet with fellow advocates & community members, to make space for learning, connections, and advance on the mission to end poverty. Get your tickets now! ⬇️
EmpowerMissouri.org/summit