As the federal government shutdown enters its 28th day, the second longest in U.S. history, people throughout Iowa and the country who rely on SNAP could be at risk of losing their benefits later this week.

According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Iowa SNAP serves 259,300 individuals statewide, of which 110,988 are children under the age of 18 and 34,262 who are elderly.

“Everyone deserves to eat,” said Janis Miller, of Manson, who said she is helping a friend who works full-time but still can’t afford groceries, especially without November’s SNAP benefits. “I know I’m not the only one helping others because of this, but I’m checking out the grocery stores for meat and vegetable sales so I can help.”

The Lord’s Cupboard Community Pantry has seen a significant increase in requests for emergency food this year, and executive director Melanie Fierke expects that those numbers will skyrocket without SNAP benefits.

“I don’t think people fully understand what could happen to their SNAP benefits in November with the government shutdown,” said Fierke. “Since 2022, there have been so many changes to SNAP benefits. Every time the state or federal government makes changes to the benefits, we see an increase at the Lord’s Cupboard.”

In 2021, the Lord’s Cupboard served an average of 270 individuals a month. In 2022, that jumped to 867 a month. In 2024, the community pantry served an average of 1,100 a month and in 2025, they are currently helping 1,200 monthly.

According to Fierke, currently 40 percent of the households they serve receive SNAP benefits and will be affected starting Saturday.

“It’s always concerning when the federal or state government makes changes to SNAP benefits, as it leads to an increased need for emergency food assistance,” said Fierke. “With the total removal of benefits, we expect to see individuals and families who have never needed a food pantry before turning to us for help. We anticipate more people seeking support in November, but we want the community to know that we are fully stocked and ready to help anyone in need.”

Like many community organizations, Athletics for Education and Success (AFES) has been planning and preparing for the potential cut to SNAP benefits.

AFES Director Charles Clayton said he is planning additional outreach opportunities within the community.

On Sunday, AFES hosted a popup food pantry and quickly ran out of food within an hour of opening. According to Clayton, AFES opened the food pantry at 1 p.m. and by 2 p.m. had to run to get more items for the 250 individuals that they served.

AFES has also planned popups for Nov. 16 and Nov. 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the MLK Recreation Center, 712 Third St. N.W.

“We will also have a Thanksgiving dinner giveaway and send home Backpack Buddies with our after school kids and families who want and need it,” said Clayton.

Upper Des Moines Opportunity (UDMO), which serves 12 counties in northwest and north central Iowa, including Webster, began offering a drive-thru food pantry during the pandemic. The service, which is wholly funded by donations, now includes an in-office food pantry, and still staff have had to turn away requests because the pantries have become bare.

UDMO Executive Director Alisa Schlief said her staff has been fielding calls from very concerned families about what November might look like for them without SNAP. Schlief said she’s anticipating even higher numbers of requests at both the drive-thru and in-office food pantries.

Stacie Coppinger, administrator for the Sharing Kindness Fort Dodge Facebook group, posted an idea Sunday that she had seen online about finding a grocery buddy, a person who might lose SNAP benefits, and helping them throughout the upcoming month.

“A wonderful idea for those who have it in their budget to do so,” said Coppinger in her post. “If this isn’t an option for you, perhaps make a monetary or food donation to a food pantry.”

According to a 2022 report from the Iowa Hunger Coalition, in Fiscal Year 2020, children, working-age adults with disabilities, and seniors accounted for 60 percent of SNAP participants in Iowa.

According to the USDA, to receive SNAP, a potential recipient must qualify based on their gross income, net income, and assets.

A recipient’s gross monthly income requirement for benefits must be at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level. For a one-person household, that’s approximately $20,352 annually. The net income limit is also limited to 100 percent at or below the poverty level, which is approximately $15,660 annually. Asset requirements are currently capped at $3,000.

According to the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), in Iowa, the average SNAP participant received $169.96 in benefits in fiscal year 2024. FRAC also stated that between the years 2019-2023, an average of 84 percent of SNAP households in Iowa included someone who was working.

“At the Lord’s Cupboard Community Pantry, there is no limit to the amount of people we can help,” said Fierke. “Whether you’re an individual or a family, we are here for everyone in need. Our goal is to ensure no one goes hungry. If you are in need of food, we will make sure you’re served.”

Food Pantries in Webster County

The Lord’s Cupboard Community Pantry

127 N. 10th St.

Holy Trinity Parish Food pantry

415 N. Eighth St.

Salvation Army

126 N. Seventh St.

Upper Des Moines Opportunity

Drive-thru food pantry at Corpus Christi Center,

403 N. Eighth St.

Athletics for Education & Success

712 Third St. N.W.

YWCA of Fort Dodge

826 First Ave. N.

Calvary Church of Christ Food Pantry

1315 10th Ave. S.W.

The Community Pantry, Gowrie

1206 Market St.

The Dayton Food Pantry, Dayton

208 Second Ave. N.W.