Iowa Hunger Coalition membership has set the following policy priorities for the 2023 legislative session:
Update Iowa SNAP income eligibility
Expand SNAP income eligibility to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level to better reflect the prevalence of food insecurity in Iowa.
Protect Iowans’ ability to put food on the table
Reject barriers that take food away from Iowans, including SNAP work reporting requirements and redundant eligibility verification checks.
Boost SNAP purchasing power while increasing access to fresh produce
Invest in Iowa’s Double Up Food Bucks program, which doubles the value of SNAP dollars spent on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Provide healthy school meals for all
Invest in free breakfast and lunch programs at Iowa schools to address childhood nutrition and hunger.
Address root causes of hunger and food insecurity
Increase access to economic resources including quality, affordable housing, utilities, transportation, child care and health care.
Divert food from Iowa’s landfills to people facing hunger
Support recommendations from the Department of Natural Resources’ Organics & Fibers subcommittee to strengthen food recovery efforts
Promote the purchase and distribution of locally grown fresh produce
Increase access to nutrient dense foods at Iowa schools and institutions by allocating state funds to local food processing and infrastructure