Reductions in spending and tightened eligibility requirements on social safety net programs like Medicaid and food assistance being considered by Republicans in Congress will significantly reduce access to health care and food assistance, impacting thousand of low-income individuals and families across Linn County.
The panel — moderated by Linn County Supervisor Sami Scheetz — will discuss how changes proposed under the federal reconciliation and tax bill could affect area residents with a special focus on potential cuts to SNAP and Medicaid.
Under the waiver approved by the USDA, starting Jan. 1, 2026, Iowans who receive SNAP won’t be able to use their benefits to purchase items including garden seeds and food-producing plants, candy, gum, soft drinks, lemonade, fruit snacks, certain granola bars and caramel corn.
Doctors, nurses, food bank directors and other social safety net providers across Iowa warn major cuts to public health insurance and food assistance programs could lead to crowded emergency rooms, more rural hospital closures, drained family budgets, overworked providers and reduce care for veterans, seniors and children.
The state is seeking to restrict any food or beverage that qualifies for the state sales tax from purchase with SNAP. That list includes garden seeds, candy, gum, soft drinks and certain granola bars among other items.
The appropriation would be contingent on the U.S. Department of Agriculture approving a waiver for exemptions that would strike certain food products from SNAP eligibility, which food accessibility advocates argue would limit access to food.
Some Iowans receiving state-funded Medicaid coverage and food assistance would be required to work at least 80 hours a month to receive benefits under legislation critics say would put thousands of vulnerable Iowans at risk.
Iowa anti-hunger advocates called on state leaders to participate in a summer federal food benefits program and raise income-eligibility requirements to fight hunger in Iowa.
Iowa has yet to implement large portions of a 2023 law that established new requirements and regular checks for Iowans receiving public assistance benefits to determine their eligibility.
Consistently heightened food insecurity in Iowa has put growing pressure and strain on food banks and pantries across the state.
The chairs of the House and Senate agriculture committees earlier this month released competing frameworks for a new Farm Bill.
Leaders of several states that have refused the money say they don’t need or want the handout from the Biden Administration, but children’s advocates say families are struggling and nonprofits can only do so much.
On Friday, Dec. 22, Gov. Kim Reynolds and the heads of the Iowa Departments of Education and Health and Human …
Iowa will turn down federal funding to pay for summer food aid to children, opting instead for a state-funded program officials say will provide better nutrition and will avoid $2.2 million a year for administration.
Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson said she remains hopeful Congress will pass new legislation yet this year reauthorizing federal spending for programs supporting U.S. farmers and ranchers, including commodity support and conservation programs and crop insurance.
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