Iowa needs to accept food assistance funds for sake of children

To the Editor,

   Governor Kim Reynolds has rejected the possibility of $29 million of food assistance for Iowa’s children in need. This program would provide $40 per month per child to purchase food. My recollection is that Iowa’s culture is nice and caring. This policy is anything but nice and caring. I urge Governor Reynolds and Representative Bradley and Senator Koelker to reconsider this policy.

   Nebraska’s Republican governor recently reversed his position to reject the food assistance funds to now provide these funds for Nebraska’s children in need.

   The food assistance will provide a family of four, earning $40,000, support to feed their children. The school districts in Jones County all have from 30 percent to one district with more than 50 percent of the children currently receiving free or reduced priced lunches. Children will not have adequate food support or balanced meals. This condition will only lead to further gaps in learning, especially in the areas of literacy, math, and engagement in all classes.

   The food assistance to these families will provide a small stimulus to the agriculture economy. The additional revenue for families to purchase groceries is likely to result in higher quality nutrition and greater use of local commodities from our producers.

   More importantly, a variety of working families are facing an economic pinch to meet the expenses of housing and transportation. The food assistance will provide some relief to stretch family budgets for individuals who are earning limited incomes due to the type of work they are engaged in.

   A further need for food assistance is some families are experiencing short-term challenges. The challenges may range from caring for an ill child or parent. The food assistance will provide relief to the family that is experiencing short-term challenges.

   I urge Governor Reynolds, Representative Bradley, and Senator Koelker to return Iowa to the “nice and caring” culture that has been an integral part of our state and communities. Children’s health, learning, and well-being are depending on you.

Respectfully,

Keith Stamp

Monticello, Iowa