In Iowa, there’s exciting news about the Double Up Food Bucks Program! This initiative helps people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits buy more fruits and vegetables by matching their spending dollar for dollar. Recently, the Iowa Senate showed support for this program.
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee has moved forward with a bill that aims to add $1 million in state funding. This funding would effectively double the food bucks for participants, allowing them to enhance their healthy food choices.
Currently, SNAP users can get up to $15 in extra funds when they buy fresh produce at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and community-supported agriculture programs. This program benefits not just the participants but also local farmers who sell fruits and vegetables.
Sen. Mike Klimesh, R-Spillville, who is behind the bill, believes it’s an excellent way for Iowans to explore healthier food options while providing a boost to local businesses. “The program is a great way to incentivize folks to explore healthy eating habits,” he said.
Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-West Des Moines, added that this bill is beneficial for everyone involved. She emphasized the importance of making this program accessible to smaller towns and rural areas, allowing more Iowans to participate and improve their health.
This bill has been sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
In other news, recent protests outside the Iowa State Capitol led to three arrests. Demonstrators gathered to voice their concerns over President Trump’s actions. Tensions escalated when some protestors entered the Capitol and disrupted a Moms for Liberty event, resulting in charges for interference.
Lawmakers are also discussing a bill concerning teenage access to the HPV vaccine. This proposed legislation would remove minors’ ability to consent to the vaccine without parental approval. Some parents argue this is necessary to ensure they have control over their children’s medical decisions. However, medical professionals advocate for the HPV vaccine, highlighting its role in cancer prevention, especially as Iowa faces high cancer rates.
Additionally, Iowa lawmakers are considering a proposal that would ban anyone under 18 from using tanning beds. Studies show that using tanning beds can significantly increase the risk of melanoma, particularly for young users. While some oppose the outright ban, supporting organizations point to the high cancer rates in Iowa as justification for the measure.
