SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – Congress is currently considering a bill that could bring major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and a local food bank is urging lawmakers to reconsider.
This bill, known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” is a sweeping tax and spending package with over 1,000 pages. And within it are nearly $300 billion worth of proposed cuts to SNAP. These cuts would be spread out over the next 10 years, with the Food Bank of Siouxland saying that would be a loss of 9.5 billion meals per year nationwide.
The Food Bank of Siouxland is a year-round food pantry headquartered in Sioux City. The organization supplies food to nonprofit agencies throughout 11 counties in Siouxland, including Woodbury, Ida and Monona Counties in Iowa, and Dakota, Thurston, and Burt Counties in Nebraska.
In an email to KTIV, the Food Bank of Siouxland said the proposed SNAP cuts are concerning because Iowa food banks and pantries are already under strain.
“Last year alone, Iowa’s food bank networks distributed more than 61 million meals, up from a previous pandemic-era peak of 51 million,” stated the Food Bank of Siouxland in a press release. “These numbers reflect a troubling trend: hunger in Iowa is not easing—it’s growing.”
According to food bank officials, a poll conducted by the Iowa Food Bank Association found strong public support for SNAP in its current form.
“With 68% of Iowans in favor, including 50% of respondents who identify as Republican,” stated the Food Bank of Siouxland. “Additionally, 66% of Iowans report that food insecurity is a problem in their communities. SNAP remains the most effective anti-poverty program in the country and weakening it will place additional pressure on already overwhelmed food banks.”
The food bank claims the proposed legislation’s cost-sharing requirement would cost Iowa $26 million annually. It would also potentially eliminate SNAP Education, known as SNAP-Ed, a program that helps people make healthier food choices and stretch limited food budgets.
“The bill seeks to redefine eligibility for work requirement exemptions, excluding children as young as seven from protection,” stated the food bank. “This change would force more low-income parents to meet work requirements or risk losing food assistance, increasing the likelihood of childhood hunger.”
The Food Bank of Iowa currently shows that a household of four must have a gross monthly income of $4,160 or less to be eligible for SNAP. The USDA says if you are between the ages of 16 and 59, and able to work, you will probably need to meet general work requirements to get SNAP benefits. Some exceptions to the work requirements include taking care of a child under six or an incapacitated person, being unable to work due to physical or mental limitations, or studying in school or a training program.
“SNAP is not just a safety net—it is the frontline defense against hunger in our communities. Food banks and their networks need all the tools available to ensure food insecurity declines,” stated the Food Bank of Siouxland. “We ask policymakers to protect and strengthen SNAP, not dismantle it.”
Specifically, the Food Bank of Siouxland and the Iowa Food Bank Association are calling for:
- The removal of cost-sharing requirements for states
- Maintenance of current work requirement exemptions for parents with young children
- Investment in initiatives to further reduce SNAP error rates
- Full preservation of the SNAP-Ed program.
As of Wednesday, May 28, the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” still needs to be passed by the Senate before President Trump can sign it into law. While in the Senate, it can still be changed by lawmakers.
The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on May 22, and one of the Congressmen who voted in favor of it was Rep. Randy Feenstra, a Republican who represents Northwest Iowa. He has stated that the bill’s provisions will provide opportunities for Iowans.
“I proudly voted for President Trump’s ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ to deliver historic tax cuts for Iowa families, farmers, workers, manufacturers, and small businesses. This legislation also funds our border patrol agents, continues construction of the border wall, revives domestic manufacturing, unleashes American energy dominance, and kicks illegal immigrants off taxpayer-funded benefits,” said Rep. Feenstra after the bill passed through the House.
In an official statement, Feenstra said he supports the following provisions in the bill:
- Prevention of administrative errors when distributing SNAP payments, ensuring nutrition assistance is fighting food insecurity
- An increase in the exemption on the death tax
- Support for small businesses to offer paid family and medical leave to their employees
- Flexibility for community banks to offer agricultural business loans at more affordable rates for farmers and rural businesses
- Investments in homegrown Iowa biofuels
- Tax provisions to help American businesses compete on a level playing field with foreign businesses
- Higher standard deduction for families and workers
- New $4,000 bonus deduction for seniors
- Increased child tax credit for families
- Permanent 23% deduction for qualified business income for small businesses
- Lower crop insurance costs for young, beginning, and veteran farmers
- Support for foreign animal disease prevention, mitigation, and response
- Investments in watershed infrastructure and flood prevention.
“Iowa workers will have higher wages, our farmers will see relief from the death tax, and our small businesses and local manufacturers will grow and thrive. Iowa will lead the way to restore our economic might and revive our manufacturing dominance,” stated Rep. Feenstra.
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