DES MOINES, Iowa (KTIV) - Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the state will provide interim support for Iowa’s food banks and pantries if the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits end as expected on Saturday, Nov. 1, due to the federal government shutdown.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is holding two virtual meetings a week with Iowa’s six regional food banks and other food system partners to understand their needs as they prepare for increased demand. The group has identified increased staffing, distribution, and food inventory as primary needs.

In response, the Republican governor has directed HHS and Volunteer Iowa to recruit and deploy volunteers to support food assistance operations in communities across the state where help is needed.

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