food insecurity

Iowa families could soon face major food insecurity as the federal shutdown threatens SNAP benefits for more than 130,000 low-income households. Food banks are bracing and Iowa’s hunger relief leaders share what comes next.

The food assistance program, SNAP, is headed into November without federal funding. Gov. Kim Reynolds said the state will match cash donations to Iowa food banks up to $1 million to help fill the gap.

About 131,000 low-income Iowa households may not receive SNAP benefits at the beginning of November because of the government shutdown. Food pantries and food banks in Iowa are preparing for “unprecedented” need.

Over 60,000 Iowans participate in WIC, which provides food assistance, nutrition education and counseling to new and expecting mothers and children under 5. The state has indicated it will maintain services, but long-term funding is uncertain.

Hundreds of Midwest law enforcement agencies are now working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is raising big questions about civil rights and community trust.

Over the past few months, Iowa tried a new way of fighting summertime food insecurity among kids by replacing Summer EBT with "healthy" food. The Healthy Kids Iowa program has faced many logistical challenges that have food pantry leaders questioning if it should return.

Some programs that help low-income Iowans access healthy foods are at risk after federal SNAP-Ed funding was eliminated in the major tax and spending bill signed into law by President Donald Trump last month.

Iowans address how changes to federal food assistance programs will reshape how we address food insecurity issues.

World leaders and top experts in development, agriculture, economic policy, resource management and nutrition gather annually in Iowa for the Norman E. Bourlaug International Dialogue.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ summer food program for children that is meant to replace Summer EBT got off to a rocky start this month, according to food bank and pantry officials tasked with distributing food for Healthy Kids Iowa.