SNAP funding delay could leave thousands of Iowans looking to nonprofits for meals
Hundreds of thousands of Iowans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, could face a food crisis as the federal government shutdown drags on.
Iowa Health and Human Services says about 131,000 households use SNAP benefits each month, with Electronic Benefit Transfer cards typically refilled on the first. But with funding halted during the shutdown, those payments will be delayed and are not expected to resume until the shutdown ends and the program is funded again.
At the River Place Food Pantry in Des Moines, shelves are being stocked in anticipation of growing need.
“There’s a lot of discussion of people worried about how they will meet their nutrition needs for the month,” said Eric Kool, Polk County’s director of family and youth services. “Anytime there’s a reduction in other benefits, there’s increased need.”
For residents like Daniel Ayala, the uncertainty is dire.
“I’m on disability and I depend on it because the price of groceries is going up,” Ayala said. With only $30 leftover from October on his EBT card, he’s stretching what little he has left until the government reopens.
WesleyLife’s Meals on Wheels program is also hearing from worried clients.
“We’re already starting to receive calls from our clients concerned about their benefits,” said Shannon Draayer, WesleyLife’s community nutrition director. The organization has begun sending pantry bags and preparing for more meal deliveries.
Des Moines Public Schools, where 76% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, is advocating for student attendance amid the benefit hiatus.
“Being at school regularly helps with that nutrition, helps with their overall well-being,” said DMPS SUCCESS supervisor Jennifer Stalder, a district spokesperson.
Stadler says campus pantries are stocked to support families, and students are eligible for two free meals each school day. The district can also help coordinate food services for families.
Kool and other local leaders are urging Iowans to donate to local food programs or to the Food Bank of Iowa, where monetary contributions can go the farthest.
A map of pantries is available on the Iowa Food Bank of Iowa's website . Information about how to support Wesley Life's Meals on Wheels Program is available .
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