As a dad of six, I know how quickly grocery bills can add up — and for families who rely on federal food assistance, the government shutdown is turning a tough situation into a crisis.
Why it matters: More than 130,000 Iowa households depend on SNAP to put food on the table. But with the shutdown halting key programs, those payments are uncertain — and local food pantries are bearing the brunt.
What’s happening: I visited the Waypoint Resources Food Pantry in Des Moines this week to see the impact firsthand. Lines are getting longer, volunteers are working overtime to keep shelves stocked, and families are stretching every dollar just to get by.
Iowa is stepping up: From the Governor’s office deploying financial support and state resources to our neighbors volunteering, Iowans are doing what we do best — helping each other.
But these steps are only a temporary solution. The real solution is simple: Congress needs to step up and pass the clean funding bill I voted for in September to get critical assistance to Iowans who need it most.
Bottom Line: Families should never have to wonder where their next meal will come from. I’ll keep fighting Washington gridlock to reopen the government and restore benefits for those in need.