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With federal food assistance expected to lapse this weekend due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Gov. Kim Reynolds on Thursday announced a state-led plan to bolster Iowa’s food banks and pantries — including volunteer deployments, National Guard readiness and a $1 million state match for private donations.

Reynolds said the state will step in to provide interim support if the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits end as anticipated on Saturday — the first suspension of the food aid program in its history.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is holding twice-weekly virtual meetings with Iowa’s six regional food

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