By Andi Anderson
Across Iowa, communities are stepping up to support their neighbors as disruptions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue to affect families. Nearly one in ten Iowa households now faces food insecurity, according to America’s Health Rankings, with every county showing an increase since 2023.
Food insecurity is closely tied to chronic health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Families without stable access to nutritious food often must choose between buying groceries and paying for medical care. Children in food-insecure homes also face educational and developmental challenges.
Experts say that while SNAP disruptions have created difficulties, they have also sparked community action. “Getting food to people is essential, and it’s also important to think about variety and quality,” said Lyndi Buckingham-Schutt, assistant professor at Iowa State University. “Nutritious options help families thrive, not just survive.”
Across the state, new initiatives are emerging to meet this challenge. Pop-up pantries and donation stations—like the one launched by Hy-Vee in Muscatine—encourage customers to donate to local food drives while redistributing leftover food to pantries. Residents are also being urged to check in on neighbors who might be struggling, ensuring no one goes hungry in silence.
The ISU Healthy Food Pantry Donation Guide recommends nutritious, shelf-stable items such as canned beans, peanut butter, brown rice, and fruits packed in juice. Non-food essentials like toiletries, diapers, and pet food are also in demand.
Digital tools like Iowa State University’s Spend Smart. Eat Smart. website and app provide practical recipes and budgeting tips to help families stretch their food dollars. For seniors, the Iowa Congregate Nutrition Program offers free or low-cost meals and social connection.
As Iowa faces this challenge, the message is clear: by working together through donations, volunteering, and compassion, communities can turn adversity into an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient state.
Photo Credit: pexels-julia-m-cameron
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle