Federal Shutdown Threatens Food Access for Thousands of Iowa Families

Thousands of Iowa families are feeling the impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has disrupted SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). To raise awareness and call for urgent action, United Way of Central Iowa’s OpportUNITY Food Security Workgroup has published an op-ed, “Federal Shutdown Impacting SNAP: Our Community Must Respond Together.” The piece urges both policymakers and community members to protect this critical nutrition program, which provides more meals in a single week than all food pantries in central Iowa can provide in a month. 

“While local partners are working tirelessly to meet the growing need, no community effort can replace this federal program,” said Luke Lynch, Senior Community Engagement Officer at United Way of Central Iowa and OpportUNITY Food Security Workgroup member. “We need both compassion and policy action now.”  

The OpportUNITY Food Security Workgroup, established in 2016 and convened by United Way of Central Iowa, unites food banks, pantries, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience to strengthen food access and implement the Central Iowa Food Security Plan. 

Scroll down to read the full op-ed, “Federal Shutdown Impacting SNAP: Our Community Must Respond Together,” and learn how you can support families in central Iowa or access resources if you need food assistance during this critical time.

Federal Shutdown Impacting SNAP: Our Community Must Respond Together 

As the federal government shutdown continues into its second month, many Iowa families are feeling the effects of the disruption to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). For thousands of households, this program is the primary source of food security, and without it, families are making impossible choices between groceries, rent, and medical care.  

This crisis is hitting ALICE households—those who are Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed—especially hard. These working families earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, childcare, transportation, and food. Even a short interruption in SNAP payments can push ALICE families from stability into crisis, forcing them to turn to already stretched local resources for support.  

Local food banks, pantries, and community partners are working tirelessly to meet the growing demand for food assistance. But the truth is clear: no local effort can replace the scale of SNAP. This federal nutrition program provides more meals in a single week than all the food pantries in central Iowa can provide in a month.  

If you need help: 

• • Call 211 or visit 211iowa.org for the most current information about food pantries, community meals, and other essential resources near you.  
  • Food is available through partners including the DMARC Food Pantry Network and others within the OpportUNITY Food Security Workgroup. You can visit the Food Bank of Iowa’s Find Food website to locate food providers near you.
  • Parents and caregivers enrolled in WIC should continue using available benefits and contact their local WIC office for updates on additional assistance. 

If you want to help: 

• • Donate funds, not just food to your local food pantry, food bank, or coalition partner. Financial gifts allow organizations to buy what’s most needed and replenish supplies quickly as demand rises. 
  • Volunteer to help sort, pack, and distribute food. Many pantries are expanding hours and need extra hands. 
  • Advocate for action. Contact your members of Congress and urge them to end the shutdown and restore funding for SNAP. 
  • Spread the word. Food drives help, but they cannot replace this critical federal nutrition program. Long-term stability for families requires policy solutions and community advocacy. 

The OpportUNITY Food Security Workgroup, facilitated by United Way of Central Iowa starting in 2016, is now implementing the Central Iowa Food Security Plan released in 2024. It is made up of nearly 200 representatives from food banks, food pantries, policymakers, philanthropic organizations, people with lived experience, and other integral parts of the food security system. You can read more about our membership and our work at unitedwaydm.org/food.  

This is a moment for us to stand together as neighbors, advocates, and community members to ensure that every family in central Iowa has access to the food and stability they deserve. Together, we can make sure everyone in central Iowa has a seat at the table today and every day.   

OpportUNITY Food Security Planning Committee
Des Moines Public Schools  
DMARC 
Food Bank of Iowa 
Healthiest State Initiative 
Knock and Drop Iowa 
Mid-Iowa Health Foundation 
United Way of Central Iowa  
Urban Dreams 
Urbandale Food Pantry 
WeLIFT Job Search and Resource Center