Thank you Sens. Ernst and Grassley

As a member of Bread for the World, I was encouraged to see Sen. Joni Ernst express support for a temporary increase in SNAP benefits 'to help Iowa families weather this pandemic.” Sen. Chuck Grassley had also expressed support for a SNAP increase several months ago, and it is time for Congress to make it happen.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is the country's most cost-effective anti-hunger program, and SNAP benefits are one of the fastest forms of economic stimulus because they quickly put money into the economy. Bread for the World is calling for a 15 percent increase to SNAP maximum benefits. This increase will help struggling families put food on the table during these difficult times and help ensure children have enough to eat.

According to the Child & Family Policy Center in Des Moines, about 134,000 Iowa households, including 98,000 children, report not having enough food to eat.

By increasing SNAP, we help hungry families, support our local economy and strengthen the health of our community. I hope you will join me in thanking Sen. Ernst for her words and urging her and Sen. Grassley to push for a SNAP increase in the next COVID-19 legislation.

Steve Panther

Iowa City