A recent survey in Iowa shows bi-partisan support for programs that make food more accessible.
Results show that more than 70% of Iowans think food insecurity is a concern. Food pantries across the state want lawmakers to pass legislation to address the issue.
“Iowans want proactive, responsible programs that feed the community,” said Chris Ford, CEO of River Bend Food Bank. The cost of food has increased over the past few years, and that has impacted the charitable food ecosystem. “Last year, the Iowa Food Bank Association (IFBA), so those six food banks, we collectively spent $9 million more in 2025 than in 2024,” said Katie Sorrell, executive director for the IFBA.
A state-wide survey of more than 900 voters was conducted in Iowa to gauge their support of efforts to make healthy food more accessible. You can read more about those results here. “Seventy-seven percent of Iowans have had to make changes to how they’re eating and how they’re spending their money in the grocery store. But then at the same time, 71% of Iowans think food insecurity is an issue here in Iowa. And I wonder if those are related,” said Sorrell.
On Jan 1, 2026, SNAP changes at the federal level went into effect. (The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is the biggest federal nutrition-assistance program in the country, providing benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to help low-income families buy nutritious food.)
Hunger-relief partners say it’s shifted the responsibility to address food insecurity to the state level. “(The IFBA is) trying to support Choose Iowa, and Double Up Food Bucks, as well as protecting SNAP,” said Sorrell.
Ford says programs such as these fill in gaps where food banks can’t. “SNAP is by far the most effective tool that we have to fight hunger,” said Ford., saying the six Iowa food banks have been advocating for legislative support – that, based off current studies, reflects the opinions of Iowans across the state.
“I think people need to understand that addressing food insecurity is a shared responsibility,” said Ford. “It is not one political party or another. There’s bi-partisan support for Iowans who are hungry and supporting policies and programs that help them.”
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