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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missourians can get a tax break if they donate to the state's food pantries.

A 2007 law allows people and businesses who donate food or money to Missouri food banks to claim a tax credit. Missouri Revenue Director Alana Barragan-Scott is pointing to the potential for a tax break to urge Missourians to help the state's food pantries.

To qualify, donors must give to food pantries that distribute food and not to food banks that store it. The tax credit is for half the donation up to gifts worth $5,000. The state can offer up to $2 million annually in tax breaks through the credit.