Des Moines — Iowa state Sens. Izaah Knox and Sarah Trone Garriott released the following statement in response to the news of Gov. Kim Reynolds’ waiver request to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 2025 SUN Bucks program, which provides food aid for hungry kids.
“Rather than participate in the existing efficient program with proven effectiveness, the Governor has asked the Federal Government to instead fund an entirely new and untested proposal,” Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-West Des Moines, said. “The governor’s proposal raises more questions than it answers.”
“Today’s press release offers very little detail about how such a statewide food distribution effort would be accomplished. I’ve been a part of local efforts to distribute meals and food boxes – it’s very complex. It is a huge undertaking, requiring so many staff, volunteers, vehicles, and sites. It is more cost-effective to mail EBT cards worth $120 for Iowa families to spend at their local grocery stores.”
“This summer, food pantries across the state have been overwhelmed by record numbers of families needing assistance. It’s time for the Governor to listen to those who are doing the work of helping their neighbors in need and apply for the 2025 SUN Bucks program. Even though this first deadline has passed, it is not too late for our state to take part.”
“The need is real, I see it every day in my line of work,” Sen. Izaah Knox, D-Des Moines, added. “Last month, our food pantry served 1,900 visitors – and food insecurity in our state needs to be meaningfully addressed.”
“I look forward to continuing to work with our state government leaders on their summer food waiver application to the USDA, and will do everything I can to get this new program off the ground successfully for summer 2025 and potentially year-round in the future.”
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