Proposed SNAP Cuts in “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Threaten to Deepen Food Insecurity Across Iowa

The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" proposes nearly $300 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over the next 10 years with cuts equivalent to the loss of 9.5 billion meals per year nationwide. In Iowa, where food banks and pantries are already under strain, this proposal raises serious concerns. Last year alone, Iowa’s food bank networks distributed more than 61 million meals, up from a previous pandemic-era peak of 51 million. These numbers reflect a troubling trend: hunger in Iowa is not easing—it’s growing.

A January 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. 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 proposed legislation also includes a new cost-sharing requirement with states. If enacted, this would cost Iowa an estimated $26 million annually—even though the state currently maintains the sixth-lowest SNAP error rate in the nation. This additional financial burden risks destabilizing the state budget and could result in cuts to essential services such as education, infrastructure, and healthcare.

Further, the bill seeks to redefine eligibility for work requirement exemptions, excluding children as young as seven from protection. This change would force more low-income parents to meet work requirements or risk losing food assistance, increasing the likelihood of childhood hunger. Food insecurity in children is linked to poor health, impaired brain development, and lower academic achievement. This proposal directly contradicts Iowa lawmakers' efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism in schools—since hunger is a leading cause of missed school days.

Moreover, the bill would eliminate SNAP Education (SNAP-Ed), a proven, evidence-based program that helps participants make healthier food choices, stretch limited food budgets, and engage in physical activity. Eliminating SNAP-Ed would strip families of valuable tools that promote long-term health and self-sufficiency.

The Food Bank of Siouxland and the Iowa Food Bank Association urge Congress to reconsider the proposed changes to SNAP. Specifically, we call for:

• 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.

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.  We ask policymakers to protect and strengthen SNAP, not dismantle it.