The U.S. House of Representatives is gearing up to pass massive cuts to spending programs through the Reconciliation Process, including possible proposals that would increase hunger and food insecurity in Iowa.
House Republicans are still negotiating with themselves about what proposed cuts will and will not be included, but according to a leaked memo from Rep. Jodey Arrington, Chairman of the House Budget Committee, the following proposals are being discussed:
Not sure what to say? Here’s some example language you can use, but don’t forget to let them know why this issue is personally important to you!
“Hello, I’m calling today to ask the Representative not to make any cuts to SNAP or other nutrition programs in the upcoming Reconciliation bill. SNAP helps 270,000 Iowans struggling with hunger and food insecurity put food on the table. At a time when Iowa’s food banks and food pantries are seeing record numbers of Iowans turning to them for assistance, the last thing we need is cuts to nutrition programs. Thank you.”
Iowans are struggling. Costs for basic needs to continue to rise and wages aren’t keeping pace for many workers. Prices at the grocery store are stubbornly high, and pandemic-era supports have dried up.
Please contact your U.S. Representative today and tell them: Iowans cannot afford cuts to SNAP and other vital nutrition programs.
Double Up Food Bucks Bill (SSB 1012) Passes Senate Subcommittee 3-0 Today
A subcommittee meeting for held today for Senate Study Bill 1012, a $1 million appropriation for Double Up Food Bucks that was introduced last week by Sen. Mike Klimesh, Chair of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee. A state appropriation for the Double Up Food Bucks program is a top legislative priority for the Iowa Hunger Coalition.
We are happy to report that SSB 1012 passed the subcommittee meeting 3-0 today, with unanimous bipartisan support.
Double Up Food Bucks is a triple win for Iowa: it increases access to healthy food for SNAP participants, grows markets for Iowa’s food farmers, and supports local communities.
If you haven’t already, please contact the subcommittee members below and thank them for their support of Double Up Food Bucks!
Thank you to all the advocates who reached out and showed up in person and online to support Double Up Food Bucks today! We’re pleased to see such positive momentum on this bill so early in the legislative session.
We’ll report on next steps for this bill, and a forthcoming companion bill in the House, in the coming days and weeks.
Tomorrow: HF 59 Subcommittee Meeting
House File 59 creates a Grocer Reinvestment Fund and Fruit and Vegetable Processing Grant Program, and appropriates funds to each. The bill prioritizes support to small independent grocers who procure local food and accept SNAP and WIC benefits – all good things we like!
A subcommittee meeting for HF 59 has been scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) at 12:30pm in the House Lounge. Because this subcommittee meeting is in the House and not the Senate, you can watch the hearing online, but you may not speak.
Please contact the subcommittee members below and ask them to advance HF 59!
153 groups and organizations from across the state of Iowa have signed on to a letter calling on Gov. Kim Reynolds to ensure Iowa participates in the Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) program in 2025. The state of Iowa has a January 1st deadline to submit a notice of intent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to operate the program in 2025.
SUN Bucks would provide 245,000 children who qualify for free or reduced price school meals in Iowa with $120 in nutrition benefits during the summer while they are out of school. The program is evidence-based policy and has been shown to increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dairy while reducing childhood food insecurity during the summer months.
The letter and the list of co-signing organizations can be read in its entirety below.
Dear Gov. Reynolds,
We, the undersigned organizations, call on you to take action to ensure Iowa participates in the SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program in 2025.
We are students. We are parents. We are people of faith. We are teachers. We are medical professionals. We are dieticians. We are farmers. We are social workers. We are staff and volunteers at food pantries and food rescue organizations. We are small business owners. We are advocates. We are union members. We are nonprofit leaders. We are county supervisors. We are Iowans.
Right now, hundreds of thousands of our neighbors across the state are facing food insecurity. Families are being forced to make impossible choices between putting food on the table or making rent. Rising costs are taking their toll on workers whose paychecks just aren’t keeping up. Parents are skipping meals to make sure their kids are fed.
Food banks, food pantries, and other emergency feeding organizations are assisting record-breaking numbers of Iowans, including staggering numbers of people turning to help for the first time.
In a country as wealthy as the United States of America, and in a state with as rich an agricultural tradition as Iowa, no child should ever go hungry. No matter who takes care of them, no matter where they live, no matter what.
SUN Bucks would provide $29 million in nutrition benefits to a quarter of a million children across the state next summer. While a $40 monthly benefit per eligible child may not seem like a large amount, it would absolutely make a meaningful difference in the lives of Iowa families.
Parents and other caregivers should be trusted to make the best food choices for their kids. Summer EBT is evidence-based policy, and has been shown to support healthy eating and reduce childhood food insecurity. SUN Bucks will not eradicate childhood hunger on its own, but it’s one of the best tools we have. We shouldn’t leave it on the table.
We are in this together. All of us, as Iowans, have a shared future. And that future lies in the next generation.
We hope you will do the right thing.
The time to act is now.
Signed (153),
4Cs Community Coordinated Child Care AAUW Tama Toledo Branch Agudas Achim Congregation Amani Community Services Ames Buddhist Mahasangha AMOS Ankeny First United Methodist Church Ankeny Presbyterian Church Asbury UMC Aspire Behavioral Health Services, LLC Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley Birds & Bees Urban Farm Bread for the World – Story County Chapter The Bridge Church Burlington Area Homeless Shelter Burns United Methodist Church Capitol Hill Christian Church Cedar Valley United Way Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus Christ Community Church Christ Lutheran Church Clay County Hunger Coalition Clive Community Services Collegiate Presbyterian Church and The Vine, Ames Collegiate United Methodist Church & Wesley Foundation Common Good Iowa Community Action of Southeast Iowa Coralville Community Food Pantry Corridor Community Action Network Council Bluffs Community School District Crawford County Clinic CROSS Outreach Decorah Food Pantry Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network Des Moines Valley Friends Meeting Dickinson County Hunger Coalition Downtown Disciples Drake Community Library Dubuque Sisters of St. Francis Episcopal Diocese of Iowa Everybody Wins! Iowa Families Forward Family Planning of Southeast Iowa Feed the Pack Firefly First Christian Church, Coralville First Congregational Church of Marshalltown Food Rescue Partnership Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church Franciscan Peace Center Friends with Food Grace Lutheran Church, Muscatine Grinnell Farm to Table Grinnell United Way Handy’s Home Daycare and Preschool Healthy Harvest of North Iowa Heart of Iowa Big Brothers Big Sisters Homestead 1839 IMPACT Community Action Partnership Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Iowa ACEs 360 Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Board of Church and Society Iowa Catholic Conference Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence Iowa Community Action Association Iowa Community HUB Iowa Farmers Union Iowa Food System Coalition Iowa Hunger Coalition Iowa Interfaith Power & Light Iowa Mental Health Advocacy Iowa Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice Iowa State CAP Council Iowa State Education Association Iowa Unitarian Universalist Witness Advocacy Network (IUUWAN) Iowa WTF Johnson County Board of Supervisors Johnson County Public Health Johnston Partnership Place Kenwood Park UMC Latinas Unidas por un Nuevo Amanecer (L.U.N.A.) LiUNA Local 177 LWV Metropolitan Des Moines Marick Mechanical Marshalltown Area United Way Mary J Treglia Community House Mayflower Congregational UCC Meals on Wheels of Dickinson County Middendorf Insurance NAACP Des Moines New Beginnings Christian Church Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation North Iowa Impact Team North Liberty Community Pantry North Liberty Library Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Peoples Church Unitarian Universalist Pepper Lane Creative Plymouth Congregational Church Polk County Board of Supervisors Presbytery of Des Moines Prevent Child Abuse Iowa RESULTS Iowa Resurrection Lutheran Church, Ankeny SALUD-Multicultural Health Coalition of Storm Lake The Salvation Army of Pottawattamie County, Iowa Save the Children Action Network Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton Southeast Linn Community Center Southeastern Iowa Synod, ELCA Spencer Sacred Heart School St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church St. Paul Lutheran Church St. Theresa Church St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church The Storm Lake United Methodist Church Food Distribution Table to Table Food Distribution Network Trinity Las Américas UMC Together UAW Region 4 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames United Action for Youth United Way of Central Iowa United Way of East Central Iowa United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States United Way of Jasper County United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties United Way of Mahaska County United Way of North Central Iowa United Way of Southeast Iowa United Way of Wapello County United Way Quad Cities United Ways of Iowa United Women in Faith Unity Church of Ames Urbandale Food Pantry Voluntary Action Center of the Iowa Great Lakes Wakonda Christian Church Walnut Hills United Methodist Church Washington for Justice Waterloo Schools Foundation WeLIFT Job Search Center West Central Community Action Western Iowa Synod, ELCA Woodside Acres Young House Family Services Young Women’s Resource Center
On August 15, Gov. Reynolds requested a waiver from the USDA to operate a summer feeding demonstration project instead of participating in Summer EBT. As the Iowa Hunger Coalition stated at the time, we appreciate the fact that Gov. Reynolds recognizes the hunger crisis facing our state and that far too many Iowans facing food insecurity are not currently being served by nutrition programs.
As food banks, food pantries, and other anti-hunger organizations are assisting record-breaking numbers of Iowans, enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is near a 16-year low. This is an unsustainable path.
Recently, the Iowa Hunger Coalition learned that USDA denied Iowa’s request for federal funding to operate the proposed summer food box demonstration project.
It is our shared belief as Iowans that no child should go hungry. We are happy to offer our recommendations and expertise to Gov. Reynolds at this critical juncture. We believe that these policy recommendations provide the best path forward to reduce hunger and food insecurity in our state.
The Iowa Hunger Coalition recommends Gov. Reynolds take the following actions:
Take immediate action to ensure Iowa participates in Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) in 2025.
Summer EBT is evidence-based policy and has been shown to improve healthy eating while reducing childhood food insecurity.
Parents should be trusted to make the best food choices for their children.
Summer EBT would provide an estimated 8.8 million meals to 245,000 children in Iowa – far more than are being served by summer meal sites.
SUN Bucks would generate an estimated $45 million in local economic activity annually in Iowa, thanks to its economic multiplier effect.
USDA is offering $100 million in technology grants to help reduce administrative costs to states. Iowa is eligible for a $1.1 million grant, which would halve the state’s share of administrative costs to implement the program in 2025.
Iowa has other options to reduce administrative costs and make the program more accessible to families, such as loading SUN Bucks onto existing EBT cards for children who are already enrolled in SNAP.
Raise the income eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
Increasing the income eligibility for SNAP up from 160% FPL would allow the program to support Iowans of all ages whose household incomes are currently too high to qualify, but still struggle to put food on the table.
This would expand SNAP income eligibility to an estimated 200,000 Iowans, 50% of whom are children or seniors.
This would also increase the number of children eligible for Summer EBT and free school meals through direct certification.
Raising income eligibility can also encourage participation among individuals who already qualified—this is known as the “woodwork effect.”
Additionally, the asset test for SNAP included in Senate File 494 should be repealed before it can be implemented by July 2025, or families will be at risk of losing SNAP benefits next summer.
Provide state investment in the Double Up Food Bucks program.
The Double Up Food Bucks program incentivizes the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for SNAP participants.
In addition to a state appropriation, Iowa should also apply for federal matching funds available through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) to maximize the impact of its investment.
Double Up Food Bucks has an economic multiplier effect of 1.9, keeping dollars circulating in communities and positively contributing to Iowa’s local food system.
IHC commits to advocate at the federal level to allow SUN Bucks benefits to qualify for Double Up Food Bucks purchases.
Expand efforts to increase participation in SNAP, WIC, free and reduced price school meals, and summer meal sites.
Additional staffing at state agencies could reduce caseworker loads, improve application processing timeliness, and increase program access and public confidence in SNAP.
More efforts must be made to promote nutrition programs through positive public awareness and outreach campaigns.
Gov. Reynolds should encourage Iowans to utilize nutrition programs they qualify for, not attack safety net programs and discourage participation.
Ideally, Iowa should provide Healthy School Meals for All.
There is evidence that implementing universal free school meals drives down grocery prices for all consumers.
The state should continue in its efforts to expand access to summer meal sites across Iowa.
Explore measures to eliminate food deserts in Iowa.
With grocery stores shuttering in both urban and rural areas of the state, Iowa should explore ways to keep stores open and establish new locations in existing food deserts.
Doing so will improve access to more nutritious and affordable food for all Iowans, including those using SNAP, WIC, and Summer EBT.
The above recommendations would bring in tens of millions of dollars in nutrition support to Iowans facing food insecurity, generate even more in local economic activity, and cost the state a mere fraction of the benefits we would receive.
All of these proposals have bipartisan appeal, with many of the above recommendations receiving previous support from both Republicans and Democrats in the Iowa legislature.
Feeding our children is an investment in the future of Iowa. When kids lack adequate nutrition, it has lasting impacts on the rest of their lives. We must do everything in our power to support the physical, mental, and emotional health of our children. No child, nor any Iowan for that matter, should ever go hungry.
We stand ready to work with Gov. Reynolds, state agencies, and the Iowa legislature to achieve these policy recommendations and our shared vision for a hunger-free Iowa.
In an effort to educate the public and voters, the Iowa Hunger Coalition asked all candidates for Iowa House and Senate the following question:
Do you believe Iowa should participate in the Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) program?
Today, IHC is launching a Summer EBT landing page and dashboard, where you can explore candidate responses. Not all candidates responded. All 100 of Iowa’s House Districts are up for election in 2024, along with half (25) of Iowa’s Senate Districts.
The Iowa Hunger Coalition is a nonpartisan organization, does not endorse candidates, and does not endorse the views shared by candidates below.
Nonprofit organizations and governmental groups are commemorating the 60th anniversary of the passage of the Food Stamp Act of 1964, which established the program now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Food Stamp Act of 1964 was signed into law on August 31, 1964, by President Lyndon Johnson.
“We are proud to celebrate 60 years of SNAP, which has helped countless Iowa families supplement their food budgets and work towards self-sufficiency over the years,” said Kelly Garcia, Director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. “Through the SNAP program, we have partnered closely with Iowa food retailers to ensure easy access to nutritious food. Iowa HHS is committed to the overall wellness and health of Iowa families and providing them with resources and support to thrive.”
“SNAP benefits are a nutrition lifeline for millions of Americans,” said Vista Fletcher, USDA Food and Nutrition Service Midwest Regional Administrator. “SNAP helps millions of Americans ensure they have access to nutritious food, which is essential for maintaining health and well-being.”
“For decades, SNAP has helped tens of millions of families afford to put food on the table,” said Salaam Bhatti, SNAP Director at the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). “Still, the average SNAP benefit is only $5.57 per person per day for Iowans. As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of this important program, we will continue our work to protect and strengthen SNAP. Hungry people can’t wait.”
There are currently 266,000 Iowans enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, making up 7.4% of the state’s population. The average SNAP benefit for households in Iowa is $324 per month. SNAP contributes an estimated $68 million in total economic activity in the state of Iowa every month.
“For many Iowans, there is a misalignment between household income and the costs to support their family,” said Kelli Soyer, President & CEO for United Ways of Iowa. “During difficult times, SNAP provides access to nutritious food. As we honor the 60th Anniversary of SNAP, we acknowledge the program’s positive impact to support Iowans and communities across the state.”
“As we commemorate the anniversary of SNAP, it is important to acknowledge the positive impact SNAP has in the fight against hunger across the nation and in Iowa,” said Linda Gorkow, Executive Director of the Iowa Food Bank Association. “The Iowa Food Bank Association is proud to work with IHHS to provide the free Iowa SNAP Hotline and outreach to help increase Iowans’ access to SNAP. According to the 2022 Feeding America Map the Meal Gap study, 1 in 9 Iowans face hunger and 1 in 6 children go to bed hungry. Hunger is a complex issue and it takes a variety of programs to help those experiencing food insecurity. The food banks serving Iowa salute the impact of SNAP for families in Iowa as 40.7% of households receiving SNAP benefits have children.”
Iowans can apply for SNAP online, through a paper application, or over the phone by calling the Iowa SNAP Hotline at (855) 944-FOOD (3663). Calls are taken 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers SNAP-Education (SNAP-Ed) to Iowans who are eligible for the SNAP program.
“SNAP-Ed helps people stretch their SNAP dollars. In Iowa, SNAP-Ed helps to make the healthy choice the easiest choice through nutrition education classes and community efforts like donation gardens and food pantry support,” said Katie Sorrell, program manager for SNAP-Ed with ISU Extension and Outreach.
“For 60 years, SNAP has proven to be the most effective way of getting food on the tables of the hungry. It has also been a highly effective form of economic stimulus with a multiplier effect of 1.54,” said Chris Schwartz, Executive Director of the Iowa Food System Coalition. “This is unmatched by all other forms of infrastructure investment, proving that when you invest in food you invest in our people and that’s good for our health and good for our economy.”
“SNAP continues to be the best tool we have to address hunger and food insecurity in Iowa,” said Luke Elzinga, board chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition. “Supporting the nutrition of our neighbors through SNAP is not only critical to their health and well-being, it is an investment in the future of our state.”
“The Iowa Hunger Coalition would like to extend our gratitude to Governor Kim Reynolds, Department of Health and Human Services Director Kelly Garcia, and Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow for listening and responding to Iowans,” said IHC board chair Luke Elzinga. “While this was not exactly the decision we had hoped for, we appreciate the state’s recognition of the high level of need in our communities right now, and we are eager to learn more about the state’s proposed approach.”
The proposed program would offer three monthly boxes with healthy foods at distribution sites during the summer months, and would also incorporate food box delivery options for families with transportation challenges. The state of Iowa estimates the demonstration project could reach 300,000 children facing food insecurity across the state. Children at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) could qualify. Current income eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Iowa is 160% FPL, and free and reduced price school meals have an income eligibility of 185% FPL, which is also the eligibility for Summer EBT.
“While we appreciate the state’s willingness to explore alternative options, we remain steadfast in our belief that using Summer EBT to provide grocery benefits directly to families to purchase food at their local grocery store is the best decision Iowa could make,” said IHC board vice chair Nicole McAlexander. “The research is clear: when parents have more money available to purchase food, it empowers them to make more nutritious choices for their family. Providing additional funds directly to families would allow them to make the food choices that best fit their children’s cultural, religious, and other dietary needs.”
A summary report of Summer EBT demonstration projects found that the program increases consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy, and does not increase consumption of sugar sweetened beverages. A separate 2021 USDA study found that the number one reported barrier to accessing nutritious food by SNAP participants was the high cost.
“It is not yet clear to us whether USDA even has the authority to grant the waiver requested by the state of Iowa,” said Elzinga. “What the state is proposing is not a small tweak to the Summer EBT program, it’s something entirely different. But something is better than nothing, especially when Iowa is facing a crisis of hunger and food insecurity.”
“Summer EBT has been shown to reduce childhood food insecurity by 5-8 percentage points during the summer, and could be a vital tool in addressing food insecurity in Iowa,” said IHC board member Anneke Mundel. “We hope that today’s decision will help the state meet its goals to reduce food insecurity.”
The SUN Bucks program would provide $120 in nutritional benefits to every child who qualifies for free or reduced price school meals in the state. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service estimates that this would support 93,000 children who already have access to SNAP benefits, and an additional 148,000 children who do not currently receive SNAP benefits.
“Today’s decision should be seen as a positive step in the right direction, and we hope it will lay a path toward a future permanent program,” said IHC board member Sheila Hansen. “We remain fully committed to achieving Summer EBT in Iowa and will continue to advocate for the program with our elected officials. IHC will also continue to support investment in the Double Up Food Bucks program to incentivize the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for SNAP participants, and advocate for raising the income eligibility for SNAP in Iowa to 200% FPL.”
The Iowa Hunger Coalition would like to thank all the nonprofit organizations, faith communities, civic groups, and individuals who advocated for Summer EBT.
“Every single person who wrote a letter, sent an email, made a phone call, signed a petition, or simply spread awareness of this issue should take pride in moving the state to action,” said Elzinga. “Solving hunger and food insecurity is not a simple task, and it will take all of us working together—government, nonprofits, and the business community—to achieve the vision of a hunger-free Iowa.”
On Monday, August 5, Iowa Hunger Coalition members Anne Discher of Common Good Iowa and Jon Krieg with American Friends Service Committee – Midwest visited the office of Gov. Kim Reynolds to deliver a petition calling on the governor to ensure Iowa participates in Summer EBT in 2025. The petition was signed by more than 3,500 Iowans from across the state.
Iowa chose not to participate in Summer EBT (also known as SUN Bucks) in 2024, a decision the Iowa Hunger Coalition strongly opposed. While efforts to pass legislation ensuring Iowa’s participation in 2025 were unsuccessful during the 2024 legislative session, advocates are re-doubling efforts to call on Iowa’s leaders to take action for next year.
More than 3,500 Iowans from across the state signed on to the petition. People from urban, suburban, and rural areas—major cities and small towns alike—signed the petition. A special shout-out goes to the communities of Decorah and Ottumwa, who had a high number of signatures relative to their size, and the ZIP code with the highest number of signatures: the Beaverdale neighborhood in Des Moines.
The petition allowed individuals to add their own comments. Many who signed on left brief comments, with the most common responses being “please feed our children,” “no child should have to go hungry,” and “food is a human right.” Others who signed the petition chose to leave longer comments urging the governor to take action.
Many of those comments focused on the high level of food insecurity in communities across Iowa right now, especially during the summer, and how inflation has made it more difficult for families to put food on the table.
“Many children are in need as parents struggle to keep a roof over the heads and the lights on, feeding their children should never be an issue, especially in Iowa. Yes, Iowans are resilient, yes, we’re tough, but access to food due to pricing is forcing working parents to use food banks if they are lucky to have one nearby.” – Kelly in Oelwein
“I remember the days of being a single mom trying to work my way off welfare. Food for my kids was my biggest struggle. Especially in the summer when three growing kids would be home and need more meals per day from me.” – Sason in Des Moines
“Our children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews need this summer food assistance. With the cost of food skyrocketing…families who do receive government SNAP benefits are barely able to feed everyone in their families for the whole month because they don’t receive enough assistance due to inflation costs.” – Deni in Keokuk
“Governor Reynolds, I know you care deeply for the people of Iowa, including children who need this food. Please support the Summer EBT program for 2025.” – Russell in Ames
Read more quotes on this topic:
“Our flooded communities need this assistance. Our families in every community deserve the opportunity to feed their children.” – Sharon in Spirit Lake
“Please consider accepting federal funds to feed the less fortunate children in the state of Iowa. This could also help decrease violence in the homes of many Iowa families.” – Rebecca in Pomeroy
“Two school-age kids, tornado destroyed all our food. No meal sites within an hour drive. Very little food in our food pantry in a very small rural county.” – Rhonda in Greenfield
“Our children are our future and all human beings deserve their basic needs met.” – Katelyn in Grimes
“Please start making children a priority! No child should have to go to bed hungry!” – Toni in Dike
“This would help so many families get relief. It may seem like a small amount to some but can be lifesaving to others who have to choose between bills and food.” – Heather in Newton
“Many of our children in the school system are only able to eat a meal provided by the school. Summer EBT for some families is the difference to feed their children. Inflation and many factories doing layoffs have impacted the working class gravely.” – Kacie in Des Moines
“As a single mother with no financial support outside of my own income, this would be a lifesaver for my son.” – Nikki in Des Moines
“Please fund Summer EBT for our community. We have so many kids who don’t have proper access to food, especially in the summer when parents are at work.” – Lisa in Waterloo
“Iowa’s kids whose families have low incomes need ready access to nutritious food to help them not only survive but thrive. Summer EBT provides the best opportunity to ensure that all kids who need this support receive it as soon as possible.” – Barb in Le Claire
“I see a great need to help fight hunger and feed the kids of Jefferson County today and every day, especially during the summer months when free meals at school are not available. The need to provide healthy and nutritious meals is very important for our community.” – Susan in Fairfield
“When my kids were younger we didn’t have a large income. We relied on WIC and food stamps to help us. I want to see other people be able to benefit when in need. While I now can support myself and what I want to purchase, I want other families to have healthy options.” – Michelle in Sheldon
“As a healthcare provider in rural Iowa I ask the governor to participate in the Summer EBT program. Food insecurity in my rural, poverty-ridden area of Iowa is a huge issue that we try to tackle locally as best we can, but it’s not enough.” – Andrew in Estherville
“My daughter needs this.” – Jasmine in Eagle Grove
“Please consider using this program in Iowa. Every little bit helps in the fight against hunger. Food is so expensive to people with steady incomes, let alone people with instability.” – Shelly in Burlington
“Please reconsider the decision to participate in the Summer EBT program. Summer is the hardest time for children and families when it comes to food security. There are local families who are being directly affected by this decision.” – Ema in Estherville
Parents, grandparents, and other concerned citizens pointed out barriers to accessing summer meal sites, especially in rural areas, and pointed to Summer EBT as an efficient and equitable solution to addressing childhood food insecurity.
“Even if our children’s school provided meals for the kids during the summer, we are rural Iowans. We cannot transport them the 12 miles to the school and 12 miles back home. Low income rural Iowans NEED the Summer EBT program!!!” – Linda in Macksburg
“The Summer EBT program would help put food in the house for my grandson who resides with me. I am a single grandmother and I don’t receive food assistance. I work nights and am a day sleeper, so I can’t get him to the meal sites during operating hours.” – Theresa in Council Bluffs
“It has been a hard summer trying to keep up feeding my girls without that extra help. I think that the summer program we have isn’t enough. It’s really hard as a single working mom to be able to get my kids to those locations when I’m at work. There’s no way for them to walk there and my mother stays with them and we share a car so we haven’t been able to use it at all this summer as we have no means to get there.” – Tara in Des Moines
“We used summer meal sites but had to drive 40 miles round trip to Primghar. We have a grocery store in our little town!” – Judith in Sutherland
Read more quotes on this topic:
“This is an efficient way to prevent childhood hunger in the summer. It is much more efficient than community food banks and summer meals, which require time and transportation which may not be available.” – Karen from Maquoketa
“Get it done for 2025. Don’t sink it like 2024. Rural kids don’t have access to schools or meal sites like town/city kids.” – Terri from Anamosa
“There is only one summer lunch location available in my city for children. Families must have transportation to and from. During the one hour that they serve during the day. Adults are not allowed to get food at the site so are not able to eat with the children they bring. We have a variety of cultural backgrounds in my community but some options are not kosher or halal. If families had money to purchase their own food they could afford to pack meals for children attending childcare or cook culturally appropriate food their family can enjoy together. Chronic stress is exacerbated by placing barriers to food access.” – Michelle from Urbandale
“Many Iowa children, particularly in rural areas, do NOT have access to meal sites. Do the right thing for Iowa families.” – Jerelyn from Dubuque
“Many families in our community rely on the free breakfast & lunch program through the schools. Once summer hits, they are in financial strain trying to feed their families. The summer EBT program would help relieve that financial strain.” – Sara from Council Bluffs
“We need help with these kids’ summer food. I struggle to feed my kids in the summer. We need the same thing other states are receiving that we are not – it’s not fair to us low-income families.” – Samantha from Ottumwa
“The children in my area cannot all access going to the one or two schools in our district that are feeding children at lunchtime. They are not walkable, bike-able, or accessible to all students. When parents are working, they can’t leave to take their children to go get lunch and sit at the school and wait for them to be done to then take them home. It’s not feasible or cost-effective. So some children are going to be left out of the school lunches because it is not an equal or equitable situation.” Amber from Bettendorf
“I relied upon P-EBT for my lunches and snacks during multiple summers. There are other programs available, but the restrictions of transportation and registration often limit children’s access entirely.” – Brody in West Des Moines
“Having kids come to a common area to eat meals doesn’t work in a rural area.” – Phillip in Farragut
“Children don’t get to choose their circumstances and they certainly don’t deserve to go without food, regardless of their parents ability to provide. Summer EBT benefits will greatly help to provide healthy, nutritional meals to the kiddos who may otherwise go without food in the summer. Our school system no longer offers summer meals, despite 52% of the students receiving free or reduced meals and one out of four households in Clarion alone is living below poverty level.” – Missy in Rowan
Food banks, food pantries, and other nonprofit organizations are seeing historic levels of need this summer, and are struggling to keep up with demand.
“With no other clear alternatives in sight, by not accepting Summer EBT you place additional burden on food pantries and food banks which are already operating at capacity. Please consider accepting 2025 Summer EBT assistance from the federal government.” – Michelle in Des Moines
“I volunteer two days a week at Monroe County Food Bank. So many grandparents are coming in for food to feed their grandchildren living with them. Please allow Summer EBT for 2025.” – Pat in Albia
“Our local pantry is experiencing double the need, and our summer free lunches for kids is also facing overwhelming need. Please accept federal monies to keep up with this expanding need.” – Susan in Decorah
“I am a volunteer coordinator at a food pantry. Our numbers are soaring. We rely only on donations and grants. It is hard to keep shelves full.” – Lois in Perry
Read more quotes on this topic:
“My husband and I volunteer at the Urbandale Food Pantry, so we see the faces of our neighbors who are unable to afford nutritious food for their families. We have also seen the lines grow longer as our state politicians remove or restrict access to this basic human need. We need healthy communities for our state to thrive. Iowans should not go hungry, especially our children!” – Ellen in Urbandale
“I am a pastor and in my community we get so many requests for assistance for families in need. Many of our Iowa families are struggling to get by. Our families, and especially our children need this allotment of money from the federal government.” – Marion in Decorah
“Our food pantry needs you to sign this! Too many kids are hungry this summer – over 65% of those we serve are under 18 years old!” – Andrea in Johnston
“I’m a director of a foundation who donates every year to Iowa nonprofits. These include food banks each year, who have let us know about high demand from families in need. The state of Iowa needs to step up. With an enormous surplus, why not help hungry kids and families?” – Cindy in Sioux City
“We need to feed the kids in the summertime. It puts more pressure on the food pantries, that are already struggling to stay afloat.” – Roma in Davenport
“Especially with so much flooding, food banks are very stretched. It really could help some of our most vulnerable: Iowa’s children.” – Marissa in Williamsburg
“Hunger is real. Many Iowans and their families are struggling. Food banks are stretched. Can’t you see people are hurting?” – Kathleen in Eldridge
“I work at a food pantry weekly. The number of people and children in dire situations is astounding! Do something about it.” – Judy in Waukee
“I have seen a strain in our local pantry due to the extra need from some of these families…Step up and do what’s right for these families! The income guidelines are already extremely low. Inflation rates make it difficult to even survive with what you get in SNAP anymore.” – Emily in Pocahontas
“Our food pantries cannot keep up with the increased need for food in the summer when children are home. Please bring this resource to the homes of the families that need assistance.” – Sheri in Burlington
“Seeing hungry children come to the food pantry where I volunteer in rural Iowa brings tears to my eyes when I know funding was available to help them, but was rejected for no good reason.” – Bruce in Clive
“Food banks were not the answer to helping these families in 2024 as many of the food banks in the rural areas were struggling with getting enough food to keep them filled.” – Carleen in Manilla
“Way too many people are going without. We are an emergency food pantry and do not have the space or product to give to people more than once a month. There are a few other pantries around but the clients have no way there, the hours are odd, or they can only go once as well. This is needed!” – Patty in Mount Pleasant
“Hunger and food insecurity are at crisis levels in Iowa right now, with food banks and food pantries breaking records constantly. Hundreds of thousands of low-income kids would have benefited from this program this summer. Iowa shouldn’t sit out again! Kids deserve our support.” – Jenelle in Storm Lake
“Hunger and food insecurity are something I see daily working in a nonprofit with families- even those who you would consider to not be ‘low income’ are struggling. Please accept this funding to assist families in feeding their children!” – Laura in Ankeny
“As Co-Chair of MANNA for Fairfield (Meeting Ageless Nutritional Needs Abundantly), I have personally witnessed the hunger needs of children in Jefferson County, Iowa. In June 2024, our Food Bank Ministry served 285 Individuals (many of them Children) in 131 Households.” – Stephen in Fairfield
“As coordinator of a food pantry I see many families with children of all ages come in for food. Many come in every month.” – Jacqueline in Fort Madison
“I am on a library board that supports a local lunch program for kids in the summer. There are so many kids who need help with nutrition during the summer months while parents are working. Please support our kids!” – Ruth in Britt
“I volunteer at St. Paul’s neighborhood meals program here in Cedar Rapids. I have seen the need and hear the stories. These are working class poor people who need a tiny bit of help to provide their kids nutritious food. Let’s be real about what’s going on and lend them a hand.” – Laurel in Cedar Rapids
Another common theme shared by many signatories was the link between Summer EBT and the ability for families to afford more nutritious food choices.
“Right now, kids need food. Parents aren’t stupid. If they have extra money, they will use it for fresh fruits and veggies which they normally wouldn’t buy. Chips are cheaper than cantaloupe, so extra cash goes further.” – Gale in Davenport
“I have a 15-year-old son with special needs that only eats certain foods and Summer EBT would help families a lot…We all need help and when prices keep rising we can’t even afford to buy as much food as before. People need help.” – Christina in Ottumwa
“I go hungry often to make sure my kids have food to last. It’s my job, I’m not complaining at all but it’s literally impossible with the way the economy is. Food is tremendously expensive and what used to last a month maybe makes it to the middle of the month. I shop as cheap as I can and I usually don’t buy unhealthy foods for my kids but healthy food is super expensive. We definitely need help.” – Megan in Elliott
“Children, our most precious citizens, deserve access to nutritional and healthy foods. It’s not surprising there is an obesity epidemic. Healthy foods cost more. Overly-processed ‘fast foods’ are cheap. This is the great divide in our country. Charity is not enough.” – Carrie in Bettendorf
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“Give your fellow Iowans credit for the ability to make good food choices.” – Shelley in Cedar Rapids
“I have volunteered at a local food pantry for 16 years. Many of those in need of help look for the healthy choices and are very aware of best nutritional choices. I feel there has been a stereotyping of those who need help as wasting money on junk food. I just do not see that from my experiences with clients.” – Kathy in Ankeny
“We have seen tremendous need in Ames and Story County in the number of children and adults facing food insecurity. It is shameful to know that our neighbors are going without this summer. Please give them the dignity inherent in shopping for and purchasing their own food according to their own wants, needs and lifestyles. This level of independence is necessary.” – Sarah in Ames
“P-EBT helped my family so much to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. While we probably wouldn’t qualify now, I really hope they bring it back for those that do.” – Rebecca in Dubuque
“Food insecurity often hits those 18 and younger the hardest. The food banks try very hard to include fresh fruit and vegetables in what they offer, but the Summer EBT program is much more organized and the delivery vehicle is more user friendly. Eating what is cheap is often not nutritious and leads to obesity and other health problems with our youth that put further burden on the health care system.” – Tracy in Cedar Rapids
Many individuals who signed the petition highlighted the importance of nutrition for children’s development.
“Please consider! As a registered dietitian, this is so important to get essential nutrients into kids for growing and learning!” – Tina in Spirit Lake
“With poor nutrition early in life being associated with long term, and expensive, health conditions later in life, this program is a good investment.” – Gilbert in Atlantic
“Children need adequate and good nutrition to have strong brains and bodies. Children especially need this because they are growing so rapidly. We must accept the Summer EBT offer next year. Anything else is unconscionable.” – Diana in Des Moines
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“Please don’t let Iowa children go without food. It’s essential for brain development and learning. These children deserve better from you.” – Catherine in Anamosa
“Please feed our children in 2025! Brain development is dependent on good nutrition.” – Jeanne in Bellevue
“We have kids in Iowa where school lunches are their guaranteed meal for the day during the school year. An extra $40 for food a month is a way to help these kids get the food they need to grow into healthy adults.” – Jacey in West Des Moines
“Kids can’t grow and learn when they’re hungry! This is Iowa! We grow food for the world. We can certainly feed our own children!” – Jean in Waukee
“As a public health director, clinician and citizen of a rural community, I urge you to participate in the Summer EBT program. Many of our children can count only on school meals and community funded meals for nutrition. Our food banks are overwhelmed, and our grassroots efforts (community gardens, volunteers, food drives) are not able to meet the demand. Nutrition is important to mental health and also physical development. With stretched budgets, families are filling their stomachs with highly processed, cheap junk. In Henry County, our obesity rate is above the state average at 39%; we desperately need nutritious food for our children, our FUTURE. Weigh the cost of obesity related illnesses (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, asthma, cancer) against the cost of providing nutritious food for our kids.” – Katie in Mount Pleasant
Teachers and other school support staff who work with students every day called on the Governor to participate in Summer EBT in 2025, as they see the need rising.
“As a teacher in a school where all students eat free, I’d love to know my students are getting to eat when they’re not in school. I don’t think it’s ever wrong to give food to children.” – Tonia in Adel
“I work with students whose only source of a healthy meal is at school. Summer is so hard. These kids already lead tough lives, why are we making it harder? Support the Summer EBT program and feed hungry kids!” – Sarah in Washington
“As an Iowa public educator, I’m aware of the benefits this program has. No child deserves to be hungry, especially if that can be the factor that makes them fear time off.” – Jennifer in Brooklyn
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“As a school nurse I fully support the summer EBT program for children in Iowa. Hungry children don’t learn well and eat more cheap junk food.” – Pam in Iowa City
“I am an elementary school teacher, working in a low SES school, and the free breakfast and lunch many of my kids need, deserve, and currently get is why they are able to learn, prosper, and be valuable contributors to their community and beyond. When kids’ basic needs aren’t met, they can’t learn, and they certainly can’t thrive. We need to foster the growth of our kids for the future of our country, not to mention, they are deserving and worthy because they are HUMAN beings.“ – Michelle in Iowa City
“As a teacher, I see firsthand how hungry kids are! I would love to see those who benefit from school lunches also getting help during the summer. Please put Iowa kids front of mind when you make this decision!” – Jess in Coralville
“Please feed the children. I was an elementary teacher for over 30 years. I have seen the struggles for children who have food insecurity.” – Lynn in Corydon
Summer EBT not only supports children and families, but local communities as well.
“Iowa families deserve security. Providing Iowa kids with consistent access to food ensures they are able to contribute to our community in meaningful ways. By having their basic needs met, children can focus on education and enriching activities instead of the pain of hunger. Please feed our kids!” – Ashley in Ankeny
“This is important- our children are your children. We all benefit when kids get proper nutrition and food security. As a former dietitian, I can tell you this has been studied to the moon and back and the evidence is clear.” – Brenda in Huxley
“I farm in Cedar County and I love that my customers at farmers market can use EBT and receive Double Up Food Bucks when they purchase my veggies. There are so many hungry Iowa kids and we have the resources to feed them. Please, participate in summer EBT!” – Molly in Mechanicsville
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“Investing in feeding kids also invests in local communities” – Tiffany in Clive
“There is nothing more pro-life than making sure that Iowa children are not hungry. The EBT program is good for children & for the business community in Iowa. Do the right thing!” – Rachel in Urbandale
“Helping kids living in poverty also spills over to help farmers too who benefit from increased food sales.” – Jasmine in St. Charles
Many people who signed the petition expressed disbelief that our state did not participate in 2024, using phrases like “no brainer” and “this should not be a partisan issue.”
“Why is this even an issue? Kids need food. As a parent to four boys, I have three jobs and it’s barely enough to keep food on the table. Do better.” – Nicole in Des Moines
“Please feed the kids. I would think helping kids would be one easy way for all of us to come together.” – Wendy in Clear Lake
“Never thought I’d need to sign a petition advocating FEEDING CHILDREN, but here we are.” – Lucas in Cedar Rapids
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“There’s absolutely no reason to keep food from children. Administrative costs? We have a surplus!” – Joni in Cedar Rapids
“There is no downside to feeding kids and easing the stress on parents.” – Donna in Murray
“Many thousands of Iowa children desperately need the Summer EBT program. As Governor you have the ability to help our children! As an Iowan my entire life I cannot see why you are not doing this!” – Brenda in Olin
“It is unconscionable that our state would refuse such an impactful and innovative program as Summer EBT while families throughout Iowa are struggling with rising costs and limited access to nutritionally and culturally appropriate food. Embracing this federal resource should be an easy and quick decision for our leaders to make.” – Paul in Des Moines
“It is vital that we show that we care about the children of Iowa more than gaining political points. As a father and grandfather, I urge acceptance of the nutrition that enrollment in the Summer EBT provides for our families in need. It is the right thing to do!” – Steven in Mount Vernon
“I was born an Iowan and have been a registered Republican for many decades. Jesus said, ‘Feed the hungry’ and never said, ‘Own the Libs.’” – John in Iowa City
“Governor Reynolds, I suggest that you sit down with children…Speak to them about their summertime nutrition and sources of food. You would probably come to realize that it is unwise to turn down this funding again.” – Patricia in Fort Dodge
“This should have been a ‘no brainer’ for our state. There is no valid reason to not utilize this funding for Iowa’s children. Low income kids need the resources available to help them grow and thrive. The funds help families afford good food choices.” – Nancy in Neola
“Seems like common sense to do all we can to make sure children are fed.” – Deborah in Atlantic
“What kind of dystopia requires advocating to feed kids? Meeting basic needs is the building block for success in school and in life. This should not even be a discussion.” – Kim in Des Moines
“Crazy that I am having to sign a petition to ensure this happens.” – Amanda in Diagonal
The Iowa Hunger Coalition would like to thank everyone who signed and shared this Summer EBT petition. Together, we have shown that Iowans across the state support this vital program. Thank you for your ongoing advocacy!
The national coalition letter urges Congress to reject $30 billion cut to SNAP over 10 years and return to a bipartisan Farm Bill
18 Iowa-based organizations are part of a statewide and national effort urging Congress to prioritize protecting and strengthening the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the upcoming Farm Bill and any other legislative vehicles moving forward.
18 Iowa-based groups have joined more than 1,400 national, state, and local organizations representing communities from across the country, in signing a letter urging Congress to ensure that benefit adequacy, equitable access, and program administration, remain core tenets of SNAP.
Iowa groups that signed on to the letter include:
Common Good Iowa
Coralville Community Food Pantry
Corridor Community Action Network
Des Moines Area Religious Council
Des Moines Education Association
Disability Rights Iowa
Iowa ACEs 360
Iowa Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers
Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement
Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Iowa Community Action Association
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
Iowa Food Bank Association
Iowa Hunger Coalition
Iowa State Education Association
Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity
RESULTS Iowa
Southeast Linn Community Center
“More must be done to ensure that SNAP benefits reach all those in need in Iowa so they have access to the nutrition they need to thrive,” said Luke Elzinga, board chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition and policy and advocacy manager at the DMARC Food Pantry Network. “When we have food banks, food pantries, and other anti-hunger organizations assisting record-breaking numbers of people across the state, SNAP enrollment should not be at a 16-year low in Iowa.”
To safeguard SNAP, efforts to create a cost-neutral Thrifty Food Plan, which SNAP benefits are based on, must be rejected. This includes opposing any proposed cuts, such as restricting future Thrifty Food Plan benefit adjustments, which could result in nearly $30 billion in cuts over 10 years. Such a cost-neutral plan would also negatively impact Summer EBT, the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and Puerto Rico’s Nutrition Assistance Program.
“Poverty is extremely complex, touching every aspect of life, from food security to health outcomes,” said Mandi Remington, Director of Corridor Community Action Network. “The level of need among Iowans is rising, and current resources are not adequate for families struggling to make ends meet. A strong, bipartisan Farm Bill is crucial to protect and strengthen SNAP, so that all families can access the nutrition they need to thrive.”
Research underscores the economic and health benefits of SNAP. Every dollar invested in SNAP generates between $1.50 and $1.80 in economic activity during an economic downturn and supports local economies. In doing so, SNAP improves health outcomes, which results in reducing Medicaid costs associated with food insecurity.
“Every educator knows that when students are hungry, it is difficult to concentrate on lessons and retain information. Access to healthy, nutritious food without worrying about where their next meal comes from helps students focus on learning in school. It significantly enhances their learning capabilities, providing the best possible path to a positive school experience,” said Coy Marquardt, Executive Director of the Iowa State Education Association.
Despite its strengths, SNAP benefits remain modest, averaging only $5.56 per person per day in Iowa. At a time when living expenses are on the rise, it is imperative that Congress utilizes the power of the U.S. government to strengthen SNAP through several ways, including by improving benefit adequacy, permitting purchase of hot foods, simplifying the eligibility requirements, and protecting participants from benefit theft.
“Anti-hunger advocates in Iowa stand ready to oppose any legislation that would undermine SNAP’s proven effectiveness in helping 265,000 people in Iowa afford to put food on the table,” said Elzinga. “History has repeatedly shown that the only viable path to passing a Farm Bill is a strong bipartisan effort that involves all stakeholders engaged at the table.”
The Iowa Hunger Coalition (IHC) is launching an online petition to urge Gov. Kim Reynolds to take steps to ensure Iowa participates in Summer EBT in 2025. IHC has set a goal of gathering 2,500 signatures by Friday, August 2. Iowans can sign the petition by visiting iowahungercoalition.org/summer-ebt.
“It’s past time for Gov. Reynolds to put national partisan politics aside and do what’s right for Iowa,” said Luke Elzinga, IHC board chair and policy and advocacy manager at the DMARC Food Pantry Network. “We are calling on all Iowans to take action and hold our state government accountable. Nobody should be willing to accept another summer where hundreds of thousands of low-income kids in our state miss out on Summer EBT.”
Summer EBT, also known as SUN Bucks, is the first new federal childhood nutrition program in two decades, and was created by a bipartisan act of Congress in December 2022. Iowa notably declined to participate in Summer EBT in 2023, a decision strongly opposed by the Iowa Hunger Coalition. Iowa is one of 13 states that chose not to participate in Summer EBT in 2023.
The program would provide $120 in nutrition benefits during the summer to 245,000 children in Iowa who qualify for free and reduced price school meals. Summer EBT is evidence-based policy, and has been shown to reduce childhood food insecurity while increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy.
“With household budgets stretched thin, families are facing incredibly difficult decisions to put food on the table this summer,” said Sheila Hansen, IHC board member and senior policy advocate and government relations manager at Common Good Iowa. “Meanwhile, the state of Iowa is sitting on a two-billion dollar surplus. Summer EBT is an incredibly effective use of state funds that would make a profound impact in the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Iowans.”
Food banks, food pantries, and other anti-hunger organizations across the state of Iowa continue to face record-breaking numbers of people turning to them for assistance. Advocates trace the beginning of this trend back to April 2022, when Emergency Allotments for SNAP ended, drastically reducing benefit amounts for Iowans enrolled in the program.
“On top of the sustained increases we’d already been seeing at food banks and pantries over the past two years, this summer has been absolutely relentless, no matter where you are in the state,” said Nicole McAlexander, executive director of Southeast Linn Community Center and vice chair of IHC’s board. “Similar to individuals, organizations are facing difficult financial decisions, and staff and volunteers are being pushed to the limit to make sure the need is met.”
The Iowa Hunger Coalition is also coordinating an organizational sign-on letter, and is separately urging nonprofit organizations, faith communities, businesses, clubs, and other civic groups to contact the Governor’s office, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and Iowa Department of Education in support of Summer EBT.
The petition specifically calls on Gov. Kim Reynolds to direct the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to work together to submit an interim Plan of Operation and Management (iPOM) to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) by August 15, 2024. Once USDA FNS has approved a state’s iPOM, state agencies can begin drawing down federal matching funds for program implementation and administration.
“We are calling on Iowa to take action to ensure Iowa participates in Summer EBT in 2025, and every year following,” said Elzinga. “Regardless of whether or not Iowa submits an interim Plan of Operation and Management to USDA by the August 15 deadline or not, we will keep fighting until Iowa participates in Summer EBT.”