Reynolds is stubborn over help for food-insecure Iowans

There’s Iowa nice, and there’s Iowa stubborn. When it comes to making sure that Iowa kids can play and learn without hunger pains, Gov. Kim Reynolds is clearly in the latter camp.

First she rejected federal money for SNAP benefits. Then she instituted a bureaucratic grant program for a tiny fraction of that money. Then she proposed a nanny-state scheme to deliver uniform boxes of food to qualifying families without regard to religious, cultural, or health restrictions for food allergies or intolerances. What a waste of our tax dollars to create and transport prepackaged boxes, and what a distrust of Iowans to shop according to their individual needs. Reynolds’ hostility to families who need a hand is breathtaking.

According to The Gazette, more than 3,500 Iowans signed a petition urging the governor to direct state agencies to apply for participation next year in a federal food assistance program for low-income children. Iowa Senate Democrats last year introduced legislation requiring the state of Iowa to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer free and reduced lunch program. Food pantries across Iowa are reporting increased demand and decreased donations.

Summer is over, but it’s not too late to contribute whatever you can afford to CommUnity Food Bank or other pantries in your neighborhood. And ask the governor to be less stubborn when it comes to the well-being of Iowa kids.

David Leshtz

Iowa City