DMARC Statement on Summer EBT – Thank you for your advocacy!
The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) celebrates today’s announcement that the state of Iowa plans to participate in the SUN Bucks (summer EBT) summer feeding program in 2026.
This would be the first time that Iowa children who qualify for similar nutrition programs (free and reduced price school meals, Family Investment Program, and SNAP) would receive direct financial support in nutrition benefits during the key summer months. Summer EBT will aim to assist 220,000 children in the state of Iowa this summer.
This announcement means that Iowa parents can go to the grocery store this summer and pick out the food best suited for their children. We believe the dignity and convenience that comes with SUN Bucks is a tremendous investment in our communities and will help significantly more families in need this summer.
This opportunity comes at a critical time as food insecurity continues to reach startling levels in the Des Moines Metro and across the state. Access to healthy food can be even more difficult for low-income families when school is out and food budgets are strained.
SUN Bucks provides direct financial support to families, requires no extra efforts in enrollment, and allows households to make food choices that meet their needs. All this is possible while providing the dignity of being able to shop for healthy foods at the local grocery store.
While studying the effects of similar programs, USDA Food and Nutrition Service found that providing a direct monthly benefit reduces food insecurity while increasing consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Providing more access to healthy foods is an investment in everyone in our community.
We are extremely grateful to everyone in this community who has advocated for Iowa’s children when they need our help the most. This is a historic opportunity to address childhood food insecurity in our community and this announcement is a moral victory for all involved. Gov. Reynolds and Iowa HHS are not just investing in low-income Iowans, but also the local retailers, nonprofit/community organizations, and faith-based organizations who help ensure that healthy food gets to the people who need it.
We are grateful to the state of Iowa and Gov. Kim Reynolds for always prioritizing the health and development of Iowa’s Children. This decision is a continuation of our state’s commitment to evidence-based solutions that put Iowa kids first. We look forward to the ongoing evaluation and investment in our emergency food systems as we address the food insecurity crisis facing our neighbors in need.
