SNAP

As food insecurity grows, Iowa’s gardeners are stepping up to help feed those in need — plus, how an improv nonprofit is empowering Iowa's youth to grow confident on and off stage.

Refugees in Iowa are learning they are no longer eligible for SNAP benefits. The federal government has ordered states to start enforcing a part of the One Big Beautiful Bill that cuts off food assistance for refugees and many other types of immigrants with legal status.

Iowans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are awaiting relief. Later, we hear about a new podcast from ISU Extension.

Across the country, low-income households that rely on federal assistance to help pay for food are now turning to food pantries. With money for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program temporarily paused due to the government shutdown, some Iowans said they are unsure how they will feed themselves and their families.

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.

Hundreds of low-income families will need to choose between working or taking care of their kids because two federally funded child care programs are about to run out of money. As the federal shutdown starts affecting social services, families also have to consider the impending loss of SNAP benefits.

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.

As the federal government shutdown has entered its third week, we look at impacts on cybersecurity, research and nutrition programs.

The massive legislation extends tax cuts and increases safety nets for farmers who grow commodities, like corn, wheat and rice. But deep cuts to federal food assistance spending could hurt specialty growers who benefit from programs like Double Up Food Bucks.

Rob Sand hosted a town hall Wednesday in Waukee, where he touted his distaste for partisan politics and distanced himself from party labels. The event kicked off his 100 Town Hall Tour as part of his campaign for governor in 2026.