Iowa Rep. Hinson laughs off high food prices

What does Iowa U.S. Senate candidate Ashley Hinson think about the high cost of food?

“You might need to consider selling a kidney. You need a second mortgage to afford it.”

Rep. Hinson said this on the Ruthless podcast. The host commented on rising grocery prices. He offered Hinson a chance to publicly talk about a serious issue. Hinson chose to make a callous “joke” of it instead. They shared a laugh about it. Then, Hinson moved right on to make another inappropriate “joke” without speaking to food prices. A wasted opportunity to connect with voters.

Not taking the affordability issue seriously is a bad look for Hinson. But she also showed that she has NO plan for reducing food prices.

The affordability of daily life and food insecurity aren’t jokes to Iowa families. Food pantries across the state report increased demand. The recent two-week delay of SNAP food benefits worsened the situation for Iowans struggling to feed their families.

“Even if it was just two weeks, we’ve had folks who told us that they had gone into debt using credit cards to buy groceries or that they delayed things like car loans or utility bills to buy groceries,” said Ryan Bobst, executive director of the North Liberty Community Pantry.

Hinson wants us to promote her from the House of Representatives to the Senate while she laughs about a serious issue at our expense. How can we take her seriously as a candidate?

Gordie Felger

Hiawatha