Missouri establishes new tax credit for food donation to pantries and shelters

Missouri's House Bill 1007, introduced on April 9, 2025, aims to bolster support for local food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters through a new tax credit initiative. The bill proposes a 50% tax credit for cash or food donations made to these organizations, with a cap of $2,500 per taxpayer and a total allocation limit of $1.75 million per fiscal year.

The legislation seeks to address food insecurity in Missouri by incentivizing charitable contributions. Taxpayers can claim the credit by filing an affidavit with their income tax return, verifying their donations. However, the bill stipulates that only donations made after January 1, 2013, for food pantries and after August 28, 2018, for soup kitchens and shelters are eligible. Additionally, taxpayers employing unauthorized workers are barred from claiming the credit.

Debate surrounding the bill has centered on its potential impact on state revenue and the effectiveness of tax credits in encouraging charitable giving. Supporters argue that the measure could significantly enhance resources for struggling communities, while critics express concerns about the fiscal implications and the administrative burden of tracking donations.

As Missouri grapples with rising food insecurity rates, House Bill 1007 represents a strategic effort to mobilize community support. If passed, it could reshape the landscape of charitable giving in the state, providing much-needed relief to those in need while fostering a culture of philanthropy. The bill's future will depend on legislative discussions and the balance between encouraging donations and maintaining state revenue.