The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is one of the best tools our nation has to combat the coronavirus crisis.
Prior to this pandemic, over 305,000 Iowans struggled with hunger. With jobs and wages lost, this number continues to rise and families are shouldering much of the burden. In fact, across the state, more people filed for unemployment in March than in all of 2019.
SNAP is good at feeding people while also feeding Iowa’s economy. The benefit is placed on an electronic card for families to buy food at grocery stores and farmers markets. When this money is spent it leads to more jobs, wages and local economic activity in the community. The best part? This happens almost immediately.
The vast majority of families spend their benefits before the month ends because SNAP only supplements food budgets. I urge Congress to increase SNAP benefits for families across the nation so we can help those in greatest need and give the country the economic stimulus it needs to weather this crisis.
Monica Gonzales
No Kid Hungry
