Food pantries and food banks are preparing to handle what they’re calling unprecedented need.
That’s because the federal government shutdown is putting food assistance for 130,000 Iowa households at risk.
The federal government has directed states to not issue SNAP benefits in November because it doesn’t have the funds to cover them.
Food pantry leaders say this has never happened in the history of SNAP, and they expect any delays to lead to a big spike in Iowans seeking help from food pantries.
Kathy Underhill is CEO of the Des Moines Area Religious Council, which runs a network of 14 food pantries.
“November is always the busiest month in the food bank and food pantry world, and if SNAP benefits do not go out on time in November, the capacity of food banks and food pantries will be pushed to their very limits,” Underhill said.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says she’s directed the state health department to convene regular calls with food banks and is reviewing the state’s food insecurity response plan.
