New Iowa Food Bank Association Poll Reveals Two-Thirds of Iowans Say Food Insecurity is Affecting Their Neighbors
“The findings of the poll were enlightening,” said Linda Gorkow, executive director, Iowa Food Bank Association. “The poll results showed that 35% ranked groceries and food as what they spend the most on each month and 39% believe they are worse off financially than last year. It’s no wonder Iowans are recognizing food insecurity and hunger impacting the lives of the people around them as well as the lives of those in their community.”
The release of the poll results coincides with Iowa Food Bank Association’s Hunger-Free Day on the Hill on Feb. 25. Together, food bank leaders and volunteers are advocating for policies that eliminate food insecurity and efficiently and effectively serve Iowans facing hunger. Poll results showed that 52% said Iowa is not doing enough to support people facing food insecurity.
"Iowans recognize that food insecurity is a problem in their state – and in their local community. Two in three Iowans say that food insecurity is negatively affecting the lives of people around them," said Drew Linzer, director of Civiqs.
Civiqs conducted the survey of 636 registered voters in Iowa from Feb. 8-12. The results were weighted by age, race, gender, education, and party identification to be representative of the population of registered voters in Iowa.
One of Iowa Food Bank Association’s objectives is expanding Choose Iowa so Iowa food banks can purchase local and Iowa-grown, produced or processed foods. The Civiqs poll found 82% want Choose Iowa expanded with 78% of Republicans saying Choose Iowa should be expanded.
Another goal of the Iowa Food Bank Association is increasing funding in Double Up Food Bucks, a program that helps low-income Iowans purchase fresh fruits and vegetables through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The poll found that 69% support Double Up Food Bucks.
SNAP benefits farmers and those experiencing hunger across Iowa. The poll found 68% believe SNAP helps people.
"Across the state, large bipartisan majorities of voters support programs to address food insecurity. Programs like Choose Iowa and Summer EBT have the support of over three in four Iowans – including majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents,” said Linzer.
Another objective of Iowa Food Bank Association is to increase TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) funding in the Farm Bill to help individuals facing hunger and support the U.S. agricultural economy.
To learn more about advocating for ending hunger and volunteering at or donating to your local food bank, please contact your local food bank (Food Bank of Iowa, Food Bank for the Heartland, Food Bank of Siouxland, HACAP, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, or River Bend Food Bank) or visit iowafba.org.
