The Alliant Energy Foundation has announced it will be donating $515,000 to seven food banks across Iowa and Wisconsin. It was the most annual Drive Out Hunger fundraiser has earned in the 17 years it has been hosted.
The recent restructuring of multiple state departments into one new agency that oversees most issues of health will help that agency address hunger and food insecurity in Iowa, the agency’s director said Thursday.
As food insecurity increases, sustainable access to local produce is becoming more critical to meet the needs of families.
Iowa will participate in a federal program to help provide food for Iowa school children during summer break. The announcement comes after anti-hunger groups implored state officials to apply for the federal assistance.
New law adds requirements for Iowans receiving public assistance benefits, including an asset test and regular checks to determine their eligibility for programs.
The federal funds could only be used construction and improvements at Iowa facilities
Food banks and other food-based nonprofits are facing a crisis as inflation makes it harder to get food, and means more people are asking for food. At the same time, funding from Covid is disappearing and donations are decreasing.
Iowa House to weigh asset tests after passage by Senate
Lawmakers to hold public hearing on a bill that would alter eligibility requirements for Iowans to qualify for food and health care assistance.
Bill advances that would apply asset tests to applicants
Still, opponents say SNAP identity verification and work requirements are too burdensome for recipients and not cost-effective for government.
Still, opponents say SNAP identity verification and work requirements are too burdensome for recipients and not cost-effective for government.
The bill, introduced by Iowa House Republicans, could be amended to include more foods, Speaker Pat Grassley says,
Food pantries are used to seeing ebbs and flows in the demand for their services, but in the last few years that demand has been growing consistently, and some Cedar Rapids food banks are struggling to keep up.
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