Letter to the Editor: Submitted by Karen Pratte

To the Editor:

November 1, over 250,000  Iowans lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, putting healthy food out of reach for families already struggling to make ends meet. SNAP isn’t a handout; it’s a lifeline for children, people with disabilities, seniors, and hardworking families trying to feed themselves while paying rent, utilities, and other essential bills. With the cost of groceries soaring, stopping food aid results in people going hungry.

In the richest country in the world, children are going to bed with empty bellies. Allowing hunger to exist is a moral failure and the result of intentional policy decisions made by politicians.

When the government shut down, Rep. Ashley Hinson, Republican representatives and President Trump refused to keep funds for SNAP flowing. Even when ordered by judges to release the emergency funding for SNAP, Trump said maybe he’d release 50% of the money and recently hinted he may defy the court order.

With Republicans in control of the House and Senate, Rep. Ashley Hinson and Republicans must act immediately to prevent more harm, hunger and food insecurity. Iowa families deserve leaders who prioritize people over politics, who ensure that federal programs designed to protect the most vulnerable are fully funded and accessible. No one should go hungry because of political games. It’s time for our representatives to step up, restore SNAP benefits, and make sure families can put food on the table.

To the good people of Allamakee County, help your neighbor by donating money to food banks:
• Allamakee County Food Shelf - 1125 West Main Street, Waukon
• L.I.F.T. (Lansing Iowa Food Trust) - P.O. Box 421, Lansing
• Postville Food Bank - 133 West Greene Street, Postville
• The Way Station - 223 Ross Avenue SW, New Albin.

Karen Pratte
Waterville