Republican Congressman Randy Feenstra, who is also campaigning for Iowa’s governorship, visited the Food Bank of Iowa on Monday to assess rising demand amid expiring SNAP benefits. The organization supplies food to 700 partner agencies across 55 counties and now purchases nearly 60 percent of the food it distributes, facing mounting strain due to persistent grocery inflation.
Emily Shearer, vice president of food acquisition and advocacy, described the current situation as unsustainable, though the team remains committed to feeding those in need. With increasing reliance on emergency food sources, the bank has shifted to an emergency operational mode to keep up with distribution demands.
Shearer noted that individuals began seeking assistance weeks ahead of expected SNAP benefit lapses. While appreciative of the state’s $1 million matching donation initiative, she questioned whether it would sufficiently cover the growing gap.
Feenstra commended state efforts but stressed the urgency of restoring federal nutrition support. He referenced statements from former President Trump about partial funding and urged Congress to reopen and fully reinstate SNAP by the upcoming Thursday deadline.
Even with SNAP restored, long-term solutions are necessary. Shearer recommended raising the federal minimum wage and reducing enrollment barriers for food assistance programs. She also highlighted the positive impact of state-level initiatives such as Double Up Food Bucks and Choose Iowa, which help stretch food budgets for low-income residents.
Feenstra emphasized economic growth as a foundational strategy, advocating for policies that make Iowa the most business- and agriculture-friendly state in the nation. He argued that expanding the economy is key to lifting the 10 percent of Iowans currently living in poverty and struggling with food access.
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Rep. Feenstra says economic and AG growth needed to fight food insecurity
GOP Congressman Randy Feenstra, who is also running to become Iowa ‘s next governor, took a tour of the Food Bank of Iowa Monday. n nThey said food banks and pantries across the state are experiencing record need as SNAP benefits lapse. n nThe Food Bank of Iowa sends food to 700 partners across 55 Iowa counties. They ‘re now having to buy nearly 60% of the food they distribute and said its a struggle to maintain as prices remain high at the grocery store. n n”Its an unsustainable,” Emily Shearer the vice president of food acquisition and advocacy said. “We are doing our best. We will be here to feed people, but its a challenge for sure.” n nNow there ‘s even more pressure, as those who rely on SNAP benefits turn to food pantries to fill the gap. n n”We kind of had to do an SOS shift just because we are going through so many of those boxes,” Shearer said. n nShe said Iowans started coming weeks ago in anticipation that SNAP would lapse. While they ‘re grateful the state is matching cash donations up to $1 million, she isn ‘t sure it ‘ll be enough. n nFeenstra applauded the state ‘s efforts but said ultimately the government needs to open back up n n”We ‘ve gotta get SNAP benefits going again,” Rep. Feenstra said. “Trump said that we are gonna try to get partials done here. I ‘m saying hey lets open the government and hopefully we can get that done by Thursday. That ‘s what we want.” n nOnce SNAP is fully funded, there ‘s still Iowans who will be facing food insecurity. Emily said the federal minimum wage needs to be raised and there needs to be fewer barriers for Iowans to sign up for food assistance. She also mentioned state programs like Double Up Food Bucks and Choose Iowa greatly benefit Iowans. n n”We have to grow our economy,” Rep. Feenstra said. “We have to be the biggest business and AG friendly state in the country. That ‘s how you start relieving some of the 10% that are in poverty and that are struggling with food insecurity.”