To mark the kickoff of the second consecutive statewide State Employee Food Drive, the Missouri State Capitol dome will shine orange beginning at sunset on Monday, November 2, 2026 until sunrise on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The statewide food drive, running from November 2 through December 11, is a collaborative effort between the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), the Office of Administration (OA), and the Governor’s Office. The drive encourages state employees across Missouri to donate shelf-stable, nutritious foods to benefit regional food banks and support local families in need during the holiday season.
“Public service doesn't end when the workday is over, and I'm incredibly proud that our state team members are once again coming together to help families in need this holiday season,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “As we light the Capitol dome orange to raise awareness of food insecurity and hunger relief, Claudia and I hope that every Missourian will join us in supporting a local food banks by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word on ways to take action.”
Throughout the drive, collection barrels provided by regional food banks will be placed in identified state office buildings across Missouri. All donations will remain in the communities where they are collected, directly supporting local food banks and the families they serve.
“With state office buildings located in every corner of Missouri, our workforce is uniquely positioned to make a massive impact,” said Kurt Schaefer, Commissioner of the Office of Administration. “The Office of Administration is proud to facilitate this collaborative effort alongside DSS and the Governor's Office, providing our team members with another opportunity to give back to the communities where they live and work.”
“At the Department of Social Services, our mission is to empower Missourians, and this food drive is a direct extension of that work,” said Jess Bax, Director of the Department of Social Services. “I am continually inspired by the generosity of our team members who turn compassion into action to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors are supported.”
The State of Missouri is partnering with Feeding Missouri, a coalition of the six Missouri food banks that serve all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis. This partnership ensures that every donation reaches Missourians in need quickly and efficiently. Feeding Missouri and its local food banks provide critical support to families year-round, with the holidays and winter season being a busy time for these organizations.
“The winter months can be exceptionally challenging for families facing food insecurity,” said Leigh Anne Haun, Executive Director of Feeding Missouri. “Seeing the Capitol dome shine orange is a powerful reminder that hunger is a statewide issue that requires a statewide response. We are deeply grateful to Governor Kehoe and all state team members for their steadfast dedication to feeding Missouri.”
Orange is the national color of hunger awareness and hunger relief and serves as a visible reminder that hunger affects every community. More than one million individuals in Missouri rely on food provided by Feeding Missouri partners annually. For more information on how to get involved, visit FeedingMissouri.org.
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