Survey Data Reveals Broad Public Support for Nutrition Assistance Programs
DES MOINES, Iowa (March 9, 2026) – New survey data indicates strong public support for state-level nutrition initiatives aimed at improving access to healthy food among hungry Iowans — a trend that could shape policy discussions during this legislative session.
A recent survey conducted by the Iowa Food Bank Association of over 900 registered voters (40% Republican, 29% Democrat, 31% Independent) found that a large majority of Iowans support public-sector efforts to make healthy food more accessible. According to the study, 80% of Iowans support increased state funding for Choose Iowa, a local farm to food bank program, and 74% support increased state funding for Double Up Food Bucks, a program that helps SNAP recipients buy more fruits and vegetables. Iowans strongly support SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, with 71% saying the program helps those facing food insecurity and 64% seeing the economic benefit of SNAP. This summer, Iowa will participate for the first time in the Summer EBT program, which is supported by 77% of Iowans.
The survey, conducted by researchers at Murmuration, showed that 71% of Iowans think food insecurity is a concern in Iowa and half of the respondents say that the state of Iowa is not doing enough to support people who are facing food insecurity.
Access to nutritious and affordable foods is impacting more than just Iowa’s most vulnerable residents. "Murmuration’s survey findings indicate that two in three Iowans are dissatisfied with the price they pay for food and groceries, and over three-quarters have had to change the amounts or types of food that they purchase in response to rising food costs. A large majority sees food insecurity as a problem in Iowa and believes that food banks should play a role in supporting the health of people in Iowa,” says Sarah Stamper, Chief Research Officer, Murmuration.
Support for state-level nutrition initiatives comes at a time when access to federal nutrition programs is uncertain, and participation barriers are increasing. Iowa food banks and pantries were significantly impacted during the November 2025 government shutdown, when the SNAP program was suspended for roughly two weeks. In addition, many formerly eligible SNAP participants are no longer eligible, and those still eligible face stricter work requirements and time limits as outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or H.R.1. When SNAP participation decreases, more Iowans turn to food pantries to help stretch their grocery budgets. One in three Iowans who participated in the poll have been enrolled in SNAP and 42% have received food at a food pantry.
Despite these challenges at the national level, state initiatives have been gaining traction. Many governors and legislatures across the country are considering or strengthening programs that expand access to healthy foods.
“There is widespread bipartisan support for state programs benefitting Iowans who are facing food insecurity. Iowans want to help their neighbors in need and the state of Iowa has an opportunity to invest in impactful programs that benefit not only Iowans who are food insecure, but also farmers and local grocery stores,” says Katie Sorrell, Executive Director of the Iowa Food Bank Association.
“Iowans have always taken care of their own. The Choose Iowa Food Bank program is a powerful example of that spirit—connecting local farmers and producers with families in need. We’re grateful to the legislature for launching it as a pilot and recognizing its impact by making it an ongoing appropriation. We look forward to growing this program and continuing to provide for Iowans,” says Phil Jeneary, Advocacy Manager and Lobbyist for the Iowa Food Bank Association.
The Iowa Food Bank Association is comprised of Iowa’s six Feeding America food banks that empower, collaborate, and unite to ensure all communities have access to food. The food banks collectively distributed over 54 million meals through 1500 partner agencies in all 99 Iowa counties last year. For more information, visit www.iowafba.org
