Iowa House Moves Forward with Controversial Bill to Restrict SNAP Food Eligibility: What It Means for Families

Iowa lawmakers have taken steps to support the Double Up Food Bucks Program with a proposed $1 million funding increase. This program helps low-income residents make the most of their SNAP benefits by doubling their spending on fresh food. However, the new bill, known as House Study Bill 216, suggests limiting the types of food eligible for purchase with food stamps.

The plan includes a mix of state funds and a match from the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative, which runs the Double Up Food Bucks Program. In order to access these funds, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services must receive a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to impose these limitations.

The proposed eligible food categories would include:

• Real eggs
• Real meat
• Real dairy
• Bread and grains
• All fruits and vegetables
• Cereals, including granola
• Peanut butter and nuts
• Pasta, rice, and legumes

All of the foods could be fresh, frozen, canned, or dried. However, this bill is facing challenges. A similar measure without food restrictions was previously advanced by the Iowa Senate.

On Wednesday, advocates and lobbyists pressed for the removal of food restrictions, highlighting the importance of including a diverse range of food options for families in need. Iowa Rep. Rob Johnson, the only Democrat on the committee, shared his personal experiences growing up using SNAP and warned that limited options could hurt many families.

Johnson recalled a time in his childhood when his family had to make do with very little. He believes that maintaining flexibility in the program is crucial for those relying on it. He proposed separating the Double Up Food Bucks aspect into its own bill to allow for more focused discussion and improvements.

Luke Elzinga from the DMARC Food Pantry Network criticized the proposed changes, arguing that limiting food choices would exclude many essential items, making it harder for families to buy what they need for cultural, medical, or personal reasons. He mentioned that participation in SNAP is already declining, with only 42% of eligible Iowans currently enrolled.

Medical student Grace Recker expressed concerns that the legislation could create barriers rather than promote healthy eating. Research shows that the average daily SNAP benefit in Iowa is just $5.59 per person, which isn’t enough for families to prepare balanced meals. Restrictions on food choices may further complicate access to healthy options.

Despite these concerns, some lawmakers, like Rep. Carter Nordman, believe the bill should move forward for further debate and potential amendments. Others, like Rep. Ludenberg, acknowledged that while the bill may not solve all existing problems, it provides a pathway for ongoing discussions to find better solutions.

Source link