healthy food

A federal judge blocked five states' bans on the use of SNAP benefits for junk food purchases — and Missouri has a similar plan.

The initiative was originally expected to roll out in October. Missouri DSS said the extended timeline will give the state more time to work with local grocers, agricultural partners and community stakeholders before the program begins.

Beginning in November, SNAP retailers across the U.S. will be required to stock more healthy foods. But experts say the change will ultimately leave federal food aid users with fewer options — especially in rural areas.

The Wednesday market will run from 4 to 7 p.m. each week through Aug. 26 in the Ash Street Pavilion.

Earlier this month, the newest version of Dietary Guidelines for Americans was released by the federal government — with a new inverted pyramid graphic that looks very different from the My Plate and Food Pyramid guides that have been used during the last few decades.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe's office submitted a waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in late September to change the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The Missouri Department of Social Services says the goal is to implement the changes one year from now.

Gov. Mike Kehoe says the alteration prioritizes healthy foods and nutritional value.

Sabrina Weaver is a nurse in Columbia and created the non-profit, Defense Against Diabetes, which helps people manage their Type 2 diabetes and helps prevent the onset of the disease in the first place. She spoke about some of the challenges people can face when they're working to establish new healthier habits.

At a Fort Collins, Colo., grocery store, Kristin Mastre paused for a minute in front a large bin of Russet and red potatoes. She picked out a few handfuls…