SNAP recipients face benefit uncertainty as government shutdown continues

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - SNAP recipients and area food banks are preparing for a potential lapse in benefits as the government shutdown continues, with hundreds of thousands of Iowans potentially losing assistance next month unless lawmakers end the shutdown.

This week, the Iowa Pork Producers Association is donating thousands of pounds of ground pork to help food banks prepare for increased demand.

Pork donation provides critical protein

Pork producers donated more than 1,400 pounds of pork Tuesday morning to HACAP in Hiawatha. HACAP will distribute it through its 300 partners across seven counties.

Staff with HACAP described the meat as “gold,” saying protein is a high-need item for food banks. They expect it to all be spoken for within a week.

Pork producers are donating a total