Iowa Hunger Coalition membership has set the following policy priorities for the 2024 state of Iowa legislative session:
Improve the effectiveness of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Reduce barriers to apply and recertify for SNAP benefits, including repealing the asset test
- Expand SNAP income eligibility to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Invest in the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program to incentivize the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants
- Establish a $50 minimum benefit for SNAP in Iowa
- Invest in outreach strategies to increase SNAP enrollment and retainment, especially among older adults, non-native English speakers, and other vulnerable populations
Provide Healthy School Meals for All
- Provide free breakfast and lunch to all students at schools participating in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs in the state of Iowa
- Invest in the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement (LFS) program to incentivize local food purchases by schools
- Ensure Iowa’s participation in the Summer EBT program
Invest in Iowa’s Local and Regional Food System Infrastructure
- Invest in the Local Food Purchasing Assistance program (LFPA) to incentivize local purchases by food banks, food pantries, and other anti-hunger programs
- Incentivize local food purchases by early child care centers and senior nutrition programs
- Invest in cost-sharing for local food coordinators and value chain coordinators
- Invest in fruit and vegetable processing infrastructure
Divert Wholesome Food from Landfills to People Facing Hunger
- Make it easier to donate food in Iowa by reviewing the Farm to Food Bank Donation Tax Credit and other laws that may create needless regulations in donating wholesome food
- Provide public education on the impact of food waste and recovery efforts