(KIWA Staff Photo)
Statewide Iowa (RI) — Nearly 25,000 fewer Iowans are enrolled in the SNAP food-assistance program since the “One Big Beautiful Bill” became law. The wide-ranging measure reduced federal funding by 20%.
Ryan Bobst, executive director of the North Liberty Community Pantry, says they’ve seen a 36% increase in the number of households they serve, while rising demand hits already-stressed pantries.
The law added new work requirements for some SNAP recipients, and certain immigrants — like refugees — no longer qualify. John Boller, board chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition, says confusion over the new guidelines is also keeping people from enrolling.
Boller says the group is asking Iowa’s congressional delegation to oppose further SNAP cuts and restore eligibility for people who lost benefits under the law.
Judge Blocks Iowa’s Snap Waiver
In a separate development, a federal district court judge has blocked waivers granted to Iowa and five other states that allowed restrictions on what SNAP recipients could buy.
Iowa’s waiver would have prevented people from using SNAP benefits to purchase food the state considered unhealthy, like pop and candy.
The judge ruled that while states may want to encourage healthier choices, they must follow federal law — which only prohibits using SNAP benefits for “alcohol, tobacco, and hot foods prepared for immediate consumption.”
Governor Kim Reynolds issued a statement saying the decision is “short-sighted and does nothing to improve the health of our country.”
