Supportive Legislative Statement
DMARC supports programs that empower Iowans to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives by bridging gaps in opportunity and building stronger, more resilient communities.
DMARC works to “shorten the line” at food pantries by advocating for effective policies that will reduce food insecurity, address root causes of poverty, and improve the lives of the people of Iowa.
DMARC continues to advocate for strengthening our existing tools like SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) and advocating for new ones, like Summer EBT, to assist those in need.
+90%
percent of DMARC food pantry users that are income eligible for SNAP. Only 36% of visitors were receiving SNAP benefits at some point in FY24.
3 out of 4
food pantry visitors live below the federal poverty line (FY24). For a household size of 1 is $15,060.
For a Household size of 4 individuals the FPL is $31,200.
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Advocacy and Policy Resources
DMARC is a proud member organization of the Iowa Hunger Coalition (IHC). IHC is a membership-based 501(c)4 advocacy organization. IHC brings individuals and organizations together to address food insecurity and build equitable food systems in Iowa through education, advocacy, and policy change.
PRIMARY LEGISLATIVE AGENDA (2025)
Build on state investment in the Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Pilot Project to maximize the impact of the program.
- Ensure Iowa’s participation in Summer EBT in 2025.
- Increase access to SNAP by raising the income eligibility to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
- Invest in the Double Up Food Bucks program.
- Expand access to free and reduced-price school meals.
- Make efforts to improve participation in SNAP and other nutrition programs.
- Bolster SNAP’s benefit adequacy through a state-funded minimum benefit.