by Jeff Snyder
MOUNT AYR, Iowa —After a 43-day shutdown by the federal government, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/EBT) benefits ha been restarted. As a result, the USDA has authorized states to resume the funding of the state administrated programs, thereby ending the longest government shutdown in history.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds released a statement praising the states many food banks that stepped up in this trying time for Iowa families in need.
“Thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses, and community partners, our food banks were able to meet the increased demand and ensure no one went hungry,” Reynolds said.
In tandem with the resumption on SNAP benefits, the governor announced that Iowa’s six area regional food banks met their $1 million donation goal triggering the $1 million match by the state. These fund will be distributed based on the number of SNAP participants served in each food bank region. Money will be used to help food banks replenish food bank supplies reduced by this program disruption.
The Iowa Health and Human Services encourages SNAP recipients to check their EBT card balances by visiting hhs.iowa.gov/snap for updates.
