(Des Moines, IA) — The USDA has rejected Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ plan to provide monthly boxes of food to low-income households with school-aged children, opting for a monthly stipend for purchasing groceries instead.
Reynolds plans to reapply for permission to implement the project. The governor believes the plan would feed more children by utilizing wholesale food purchases and a distribution system for boxed-up food. Critics argue that the plan does not align with USDA guidelines and may not be as effective as direct assistance to parents.
Reynolds previously declined $29-million in summer food assistance for Iowa children, opting to use pandemic relief funds for summer meal sites instead.
