Over 900 advocates from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for the Food Research & Action Center’s (FRAC) annual National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference (AHPC). The conference began with workshops covering the basics of federal nutrition programs, hunger in higher education, and preparations for the conference’s Lobby Day visits with congressional Members on Capitol Hill.
This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the unprecedented approval of waivers allowing Nebraska, Iowa, and Indiana to restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases. While details for Iowa and Indiana remain pending, Nebraska’s waiver bans soda and energy drinks starting January 1, 2026. Touted by supporters as a historic health measure under the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda, the policy is anything but. In truth, MAHA might more accurately stand for “Make America Hungrier Again.” These waivers mark a dangerous step toward dismantling SNAP.
Despite strong efforts by advocates, Iowa has chosen not to participate in the Summer EBT Program for the second year in a row at the expense of Iowan families. Last summer, Iowa left millions of dollars of federal funding on the table and instead invested $900,000 in state funding to expand the existing Summer Nutrition Programs. While any effort to combat summertime food insecurity should be applauded, this model fails to address many of the challenges and barriers that have historically prevented higher participation at summer meals sites, including transportation and accessibility.
