South Iowa News

Congressman Zach Nunn visited the Food Bank of Iowa on Monday to meet with leaders, staff, and volunteers as the organization prepares for a possible increase in demand if federal food assistance funding is not renewed by November 1. The visit comes amid concerns that both SNAP and WIC benefits could lapse for thousands of Iowans should the Senate not pass a funding bill recently approved by the House.

According to Rep. Nunn, “This shutdown is threatening food on the table for hundreds of thousands of Iowa families—many of them kids, new moms, and seniors. We cannot expect Iowa food banks and families to pay for Washington’s dysfunction. I’m calling on Senate Democrats to set partisanship aside and pass our clean continuing resolution before we reach the funding cliff.”

The Food Bank of Iowa serves 55 counties through a network of 700 partners and currently distributes more than two million pounds of food each month. Organization leaders report that demand has risen over three consecutive years, with expectations for further increases if benefits are delayed.

Tami Nielsen, President and CEO of Food Bank of Iowa, said, “We appreciated the opportunity to meet with Rep. Nunn, provide a tour and share our concerns about how the federal shutdown is impacting SNAP and the Iowans who rely on this vital program.”

Linda Gorkow, Executive Director of the Iowa Food Bank Association added, “We are grateful to Congressman Nunn for touring the Food Bank of Iowa and seeing firsthand the challenges facing Iowans who are struggling to put food on the table. We strongly encourage Congress to work together to end the shut down and ensure that thousands of Iowans are not left facing food insecurity as we approach the holiday season.”

During his visit, Rep. Nunn spoke with staff about gaps in emergency food support, supply challenges, and increased pressure on local resources due to ongoing government shutdown impacts. He also discussed policy goals such as improving access to fresh produce, supporting local food providers in Iowa, and investing in rural hunger relief infrastructure.

To address these issues at a legislative level, Rep. Nunn is leading efforts like the Keep WIC Working Act—which aims to continue benefits for mothers and children during government shutdowns—and supporting legislation such as the Keep SNAP Funded Act that would prevent interruptions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits if appropriations run out.

“No child should go hungry because Washington is shut down,” Rep. Nunn stated. “I’m proud to support efforts to ensure SNAP and WIC families are not caught in the crossfire of partisan gridlock.”

A video recap as well as additional coverage from KCCI and WHO 13 can be found online along with photos from Rep. Nunn’s visit.