Federal Updates
We’ve been in regular communication with leaders in Iowa on federal childcare funding and continue to be assured that it is business as usual. While some states are facing freezes, Iowa is not one of them. State leaders are currently submitting documentation to confirm compliance with federal funding requirements and, at this time, are not concerned about losing access to those funds.
That said, our attention is focused on broader federal policy shifts, particularly in Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), because they directly affect the people we serve every day. Many of our staff and families rely on these programs to access food, healthcare, and basic stability. When these systems change or become harder to access, the effects are personal and immediate.
Recent proposals have introduced new work and reporting requirements, particularly for adults enrolled in expanded Medicaid or SNAP. While these changes aim to promote employment, ensure adequate resources, and strict compliance, the systems being developed to support them are complex. In other states, similar policies have led to large numbers of people losing coverage, not because they were ineligible, but because they struggled to navigate the administrative steps. Issues like limited internet access, unclear instructions, and missed deadlines can cause people to fall through the cracks.
Changes to SNAP also come with ripple effects. Eligibility has tightened, benefit amounts are no longer adjusted for rising food costs, and SNAP-Ed education programs have been eliminated. These shifts affect not just families, but can impact entire communities, including local grocery stores and farms. Every $1 in SNAP generates about $1.50 in local economic activity.
While these policy updates may seem distant or technical, they shape the daily reality of thousands in our region. We’ll continue monitoring these changes and advocating for policies that protect access, stability, and opportunity for all families.
You can read more about the impact of federal changes from our partners at River Bend Food Bank and One Table.
Federally, our concerns are about larger programs – specifically SNAP and Medicaid. Many of our staff members and families rely on these programs to meet basic needs such as health care and food access. When these systems become harder to access or are underfunded, the impact is immediate, urgent, and personal.
The changes in both programs also has a tremendous economic impact, with every $1 in SNAP creating $1.50 in economic activity. It is suspected that grocers, farmers, and other food producers will be see a significant hit from the change.
Hand in Hand has always created programs in response to what families ask for, we were built on filling gaps that existed and have continued to do so for over 25 years. We design programs to meet real needs, often in spaces where no public funding exists.
As we look toward the future, it’s important to stay aware of shifts in the funding landscape. When public dollars are stretched thin, especially in areas like food, housing, and healthcare, many funders are forced to redirect their giving to urgent needs. Programs that improve lives (like those of Hand in Hand) can take a backseat to live saving programs, like food and housing.