According to new poll Iowans say food insecurity is affecting their neighbors

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Iowa Food Bank Association has released findings from a new hunger awareness and support poll conducted by Civiqs underscoring that food insecurity is a bipartisan concern, with Republicans, Democrats, and Independents all recognizing it as a significant issue in the state. The poll also indicates broad, bipartisan support for food assistance programs such as Choose Iowa, Double Up Food Bucks, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“The findings of the poll were enlightening,” said Linda Gorkow, executive director of the Iowa Food Bank Association. “The poll results showed that 35% of Iowans rank groceries and food as their highest monthly expense, and 39% believe they are worse off financially than last year. It’s no wonder Iowans are recognizing food insecurity and hunger impacting the lives of the people around them as well as those in their community.”

The survey, conducted from Feb. 8-12, included responses from 636 registered Iowa voters.

The results were weighted by age, race, gender, education, and party identification to ensure a representative sample of the state’s population.

One of IFBA’s key objectives is expanding the Choose Iowa program, which allows food banks to purchase locally grown, produced, or processed foods.

The poll found that 82% of respondents support expanding the program, with 78% of Republicans in favor.

The association is also advocating for increased funding for Double Up Food Bucks, a program that helps low-income Iowans buy fresh fruits and vegetables through SNAP. According to the poll, 69% of respondents support this initiative.

Additionally, the poll found that 68% of Iowans believe SNAP benefits both farmers and those experiencing food insecurity.

Another priority for the Iowa Food Bank Association is increasing funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) within the federal Farm Bill to further assist individuals facing hunger and support the agricultural economy.

With the poll highlighting a broad, bipartisan consensus on the importance of food assistance programs, the Iowa Food Bank Association aims to use these insights to advocate for stronger legislative action and expanded support for Iowans facing food insecurity.