April 1, 2022 marked the first day Iowans will no longer receive extra SNAP benefits that were tied to COVID-19 pandemic funding. The federal government boosted SNAP benefits in two ways during the start of the pandemic: increased all benefits by 15% and gave every eligible household the maximum amount for their size. The reduction is part of the end of Gov. Kim Reynolds’ public health disaster emergency proclamation and could result in individuals losing as much as $230 a month in benefits, according to the Iowa Hunger Coalition. When Iowa’s emergency proclamation was not extended in February, it also impacted the federal money coming to Iowa for those expanded SNAP benefits. “That makes a difference in the Iowa economy of about $27 million per month coming from the federal government,” said Michelle Book, the CEO of Food Bank of Iowa.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move toward self-sufficiency. According to the Iowa Department of Human Services, there are approximately 141,455 households that receive SNAP benefits and those benefits serve, on average, 287,098 people. The average benefit amount is $475, for a family of four. Inorder to qualify for SNAP benefits an individual must fall in the in the 130% of the poverty level. This means that a family of four would have a gross monthly income of $2,871 or less.
Each year in October, SNAP adjusts benefits to fit inflation. Since the October 2021 adjustment food prices have increased by 7%, with the rate of overall inflation. Prices in the Midwest region of the United States have increased by as much as 0.8% in January. Economists do not see increases slowing down anytime soon.
Iowa Food Banks are expected to see a larger demand for their services and with the utility moratorium ending, there are greater needs for people with limited income. If you would like more information about SNAP or help applying, the SNAP Hotline is provided by the Iowa Food Bank. It is here to help you with qualification and application questions. Call 855-944-3663 or email foodassistanceoutreach@iowafba.org. If you need help with utilities, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income homeowners and renters pay a portion of the primary home heating costs through a one-time payment made directly to the utility company. The last day to apply for LIHEAP is April 30. Call 563-568-4224 or go to https://humanrights.iowa.gov/dcaa/liheap
