Position on Executive Order 25-30
Missouri Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Position on Executive Order 25-30
October 15, 2025
The Missouri Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MOAND) supports policies that promote nutrition security, improve public health, and strengthen Missouri’s food system. Governor Mike Kehoe’s Executive Order 25-30 recognizes the vital role of nutrition in preventing chronic disease and the importance of supporting Missouri agriculture. MOAND applauds the Governor’s commitment to improving the health of Missouri citizens and strengthening local food systems through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
SNAP is the nation’s largest federal nutrition assistance program and serves as an essential safety net for low-income Missourians. It reduces the risk of very low food security by 20% and promotes household stability while upholding participant dignity and autonomy. Research shows that SNAP participation can reduce annual healthcare costs by up to $1,400 per low-income adult, highlighting its cost-effectiveness as both an anti-hunger and health-promoting intervention.
While SNAP effectively addresses food insecurity, evidence suggests that participants often face challenges in achieving optimal diet quality compared to income-eligible nonparticipants. This highlights the need for evidence-based strategies that improve nutrition outcomes while maintaining access and choice.
MOAND recognizes the potential of Executive Order 25-30 to improve diet quality through incentives for healthy food purchases and efforts to strengthen connections with local agriculture. Executive Order 25-30 also calls for methods to discourage purchase of foods that are high in added sugar and ultra processed foods. Meaningful improvements will depend on pairing incentives with any restrictions and ensuring access to nutrition education.
Key Considerations for Implementation
1.Pair Incentives with Restrictions for Balanced Impact
Evidence suggests that combining fruit and vegetable incentives with limited restrictions on less nutritious foods can modestly improve diet quality. Incentive-only or restriction- only approaches may reduce access or increase stigma. Expanding programs like Double Up Food Bucks would promote health while preserving choice and autonomy.
2. Integrate Nutrition Education for Sustainable Behavior Change
SNAP-Ed (the National Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program) demonstrates measurable success in improving food security, dietary intake, and physical activity behaviors. Evidence from multiple states shows SNAP-Ed participation leads to increased fruit and vegetable consumption, improved food security and enhanced community engagement. Nutrition education is essential to help participants apply healthy eating guidance within the realities of limited budgets and local food access.
3. Collaborate with Experts and Impacted Stakeholders
Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and dietetic technicians, registered (NDTRs), bring critical expertise to nutrition policy. MOAND urges policymakers to collaborate with RDNs, NDTRs, SNAP participants, and community partners to ensure Missouri’s waiver design reflects both science and lived experience.
4. Support Ongoing Research, Learning, and Evaluation
The evidence on restrictions and incentives within SNAP remains evolving and complex. Continued monitoring, evaluation, and refinement of Missouri’s approach will be critical to ensuring that policy changes truly advance nutrition security and strengthen local economies.
Conclusion
The Missouri Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics commends Governor Kehoe for prioritizing the health and well-being of Missouri citizens and supporting local agriculture. As the state explores modifications to SNAP, success will depend on pairing any restrictions with incentives and nutrition education, preserving autonomy, and engaging nutrition experts and program participants in every stage of implementation. MOAND stands ready to collaborate with state leaders to develop evidence-informed, equitable, and sustainable solutions that improve the nutritional health of all Missourians.