Northwest Iowa — Those who rely on “food stamps,” now called “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program” or “SNAP,” will have to make their funds last a little longer, due to the government shutdown.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue authorized the early release of SNAP funds. Those who depend upon SNAP to help feed themselves and their families should now have received their February SNAP funds.
Officials tell us that this is not an additional benefit. They say the early release is due to the partial government shutdown. They tell us they do not know how long the shutdown will last, even if it ends in February, individuals still won’t receive their next benefits until March 10.
Those who provide assistance to low-income families say that receiving food assistance early could create a challenge. Typically, SNAP recipients would receive these funds February 10, and making the benefits last until March 10 could be an issue. They suggest planning meals ahead should help make the funds last.
The timing is perfect for a program put on by Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach and the Rock Valley Public Library. The menu planning and budgeting workshop is coming up this Tuesday, Jan. 22 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the library in Rock Valley.
The free workshop will focus on ways to reduce food expenses, food shopping tips and tricks, and menu planning techniques and helpful resources.
Mackenzie DeJong, Human Sciences Program Coordinator with ISU Extension and Outreach says that budgeting for groceries and menu planning are a challenge for many people, but they don’t have to be. She says they’ll share free tips and resources to help you make healthy, budget-friendly meals all year long.
During the workshop, participants will explore “Spend Smart. Eat Smart.,” a website and app that can be a great resource for all things food; learn to use a grocery budget calculator; practice menu planning; look at unit pricing and goal setting; and prepare a simple recipe from “Spend Smart. Eat Smart.”
DeJong says that the program is free and open to all adults; however, if planning to attend, they’d like you to RSVP to the library at 712-476-5651 so that adequate materials can be provided. Any other questions can be directed to DeJong at 712-737-4230 or mldejong@iastate.edu.
