Missouri – Missouri’s State Capitol will look a little different after sunset Monday. Instead of its usual nighttime appearance, the building’s dome will glow orange, sending a message about a problem that affects families in every corner of the state.
The change is more than a lighting display. It marks the beginning of a statewide effort to put food on the tables of Missourians who need help, especially as the holiday season approaches and winter brings additional challenges for struggling households.
Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Capitol dome illuminated in orange from sunset on November 2 until sunrise on November 3, 2026, to launch Missouri’s second annual State Employee Food Drive.
The initiative brings together state workers, government agencies, and regional food banks in a coordinated campaign against hunger.
The food drive begins November 2 and continues through December 11, giving state employees nearly six weeks to contribute nonperishable, nutritious food items. The Missouri Department of Social Services, the Office of Administration, and the Governor’s Office are jointly organizing the campaign.
One important feature of the program is where the donations go. Food collected in state office buildings will stay in the surrounding communities, allowing employees to support families in the same areas where they live and work.
Regional food banks will supply collection barrels at designated government facilities throughout Missouri. State employees can place shelf-stable food donations in these containers during the campaign.
Governor Kehoe said the initiative reflects a commitment to serving Missourians beyond the normal responsibilities of government employment.
“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,” Kehoe said.
The governor also encouraged residents outside state government to participate. He and First Lady Claudia Kehoe are urging Missourians to support neighborhood food banks through donations, volunteer work, and efforts to raise awareness.
The campaign is supported by Feeding Missouri, a statewide coalition connecting six regional food banks. Together, these organizations serve all 114 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis, giving the initiative a distribution network that reaches both urban neighborhoods and rural communities.
The scale of the need is substantial. According to information provided for the campaign, more than one million people in Missouri receive food assistance from Feeding Missouri partners each year. That figure illustrates why hunger relief organizations remain essential even outside the holiday season.
Kurt Schaefer, commissioner of the Office of Administration, pointed to the geographic reach of Missouri’s government workforce as a major advantage.
“With state office buildings located in every corner of Missouri, our workforce is uniquely positioned to make a massive impact,” Schaefer said.
Department of Social Services Director Jess Bax similarly described the campaign as an extension of the agency’s broader mission to assist Missouri residents, emphasizing the generosity of public employees who contribute to their communities.
For food banks, the timing also matters. The winter months can place additional pressure on households experiencing food insecurity, while charitable organizations work to meet demand during one of their busiest periods.
“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.”
Orange is nationally associated with hunger awareness and relief, making it a fitting choice for the Capitol lighting.
Although the dome will shine for only one night, the donation campaign will continue into December. Organizers hope the visibility of Missouri’s most recognizable government building will encourage broader public participation and sustained support for local food banks.
Residents interested in donating, volunteering, or learning more about hunger relief efforts can visit Feeding Missouri.
