Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced on December 22 that Iowa would be participating in the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program (Summer EBT) in 2026. Advocates have urged the state to adopt the program since it launched in 2024. FRAC applauds this decision, as research shows that Summer EBT reduces food insecurity, improves nutrition, and ensures that families have the benefits they need to purchase food at the time and at the places that work best for them.
In just days, Iowa is set to implement the most restrictive food purchasing rules in the country for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Effective January 1, 2026, SNAP participants will only be able to use their benefits to purchase foods and beverages that are not subject to the state sales tax.
This year, I have used the words unprecedented, harmful, chaos, and confusion too many times to count.
