Governor Kim Reynolds says the state will step in to help Iowa food banks and pantries if federal food assistance is suspended due to the ongoing government shutdown.
SNAP benefits are expected to end Saturday, November 1, unless Congress reaches a deal. Reynolds says the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has been meeting twice a week with the state’s six regional food banks to prepare for a surge in demand. Their greatest needs include staffing, distribution support, and food inventory.
To help fill the gap, the governor has directed HHS and Volunteer Iowa to recruit volunteers statewide, and she has ordered the Iowa National Guard to be ready to assist with food distribution, similar to its role during the pandemic.
Reynolds also announced the state will match up to $1 million dollars in donations made to Iowa’s regional food banks beginning Monday, November 3, if SNAP benefits are not funded in November. The food banks serve roughly 1,500 partner pantries across all 99 counties.
The private sector is already pledging support. Iowa Total Care, Molina Healthcare of Iowa, and Wellpoint Iowa have each committed $100,000. Hy-Vee donated another $100,000, and Fareway and the Iowa Pork Producers Association teamed up to provide $20,000 worth of ground pork.
