Gov. Kim Reynolds says Iowa will match 1M in food bank donations as SNAP benefits lapse

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced the state will mobilize the National Guard for food distribution as over 260,000 residents face a lapse in SNAP benefits starting November 1 due to a federal government shutdown. Iowa will match up to $1 million in donations to local food banks, which collaborate with 1,500 partner agencies across all 99 counties. Reynolds highlighted the essential role of community support in assisting those facing food insecurity during this crisis. Iowa HHS has begun regular communications with food bank leaders to identify needs related to staffing and inventory. Democratic lawmakers are advocating for the use of state funds to temporarily cover the SNAP benefits shortfall, leveraging $107 million in interest from the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.

They argue that without intervention, many working families could struggle to afford food. The federal government has clarified that there is no allowance for states to fund SNAP benefits, reinforcing the challenges faced by local food banks. Reynolds has also acknowledged private donations from companies like Hy-Vee, which pledged $100,000, as vital to addressing immediate food assistance needs.