(KIWA Staff Photo)
Statewide Iowa (RI) — A federal judge has blocked Iowa’s waiver to keep SNAP users from buying certain foods like candy and pop.
Governor Kim Reynolds said in a statement the decision is short-sighted, arguing the restrictions were intended to improve the health of SNAP users.
The Des Moines Area Religious Council runs a network of food pantries, and CEO Kathy Underhill says the waiver had good intent.
Underhill says a ban on certain foods isn’t the way she would pursue that goal.
She says Iowa’s SNAP restrictions have been messy because they rely on the state’s tax code.
Underhill says she’s cautiously optimistic because she agrees with the court’s decision, but it’s likely not the final answer.
Iowa’s new SNAP policy has been in place since January 1st.
