Iowa food banks say the federal government shutdown threatens to create an "unprecedented" delay in SNAP benefits that would affect 271,000 Iowans, including 50,000 in Polk County.

Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa's Republican congressional delegation say Democrats are to blame for the shutdown and potential loss of November SNAP benefits. Democrats say Republicans are responsible.

Food bank leaders asked Iowans to call their members of Congress and urge them to reopen the government, as well as volunteering and donating to their local food pantry.

Iowa food banks are warning of an "unprecedented" challenge if the federal government fails to provide food assistance benefits in November because of the government shutdown.

Leaders from the Des Moines Area Religious Council, the Food Bank of Io

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