In 2024, Governor Kim Reynolds made headlines when she declined $29 million in federal funding for Summer EBT (also known as SUN Bucks)—a proven program that helped feed nearly 250,000 Iowa kids each summer. Instead, the state applied for a waiver to pilot its own approach: Healthy Kids Iowa. While that waiver was denied under the previous administration, it gained approval this year under USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins.
In this episode, we unpack what Healthy Kids Iowa looks like on the ground. We speak with pantry leaders, parents, and advocates to understand how this new model is actually playing out across Iowa. Has it truly expanded access and autonomy? How is it working for the volunteers and pantries tasked with distribution? Are families receiving food in ways that meet their needs?
And—importantly—what’s in the box?
Featured Voices
Missy Loux, First Lutheran Food Pantry
Christina Romp, Healthy Kids Iowa recipient
Paige Chickering, Save the Children Action Network
Dig Deeper
Map the Meal Gap (Feeding America)
Summer EBT: Nutritious Food For Iowa’s Kids (Iowa Hunger Coalition)
I am thrilled to announce with Secretary Rollins Iowa’s new summer food program, Healthy Kids Iowa! (Governor Kim Reynolds)
SNAP Map (Iowa Hunger Coalition)
Take Action
Iowa families deserve access to fresh, healthy food and the ability to choose what works best for them. Here’s how you can support real solutions to summer hunger:
Urge lawmakers to reinstate Summer EBT in 2026: This proven, efficient program helped feed nearly 250,000 Iowa kids each summer. It’s time to bring it back.
Support Double Up Food Bucks: This statewide program matches SNAP dollars spent on fruits and vegetables at farmers markets and grocery stores—making healthy food more affordable while supporting Iowa farmers.
Build your advocacy skills
Join the Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) for their Iowa State Advocacy Summit on Saturday, July 26 in Des Moines. This free event brings together advocates from across the state to learn about the issues facing children and families in Iowa—and how to speak up for solutions that work. Register >
Explore IFSC’s Legislative Priorities: From food access to farm resilience, learn what the Iowa Food System Coalition is advocating for and how you can get involved. Learn More>
Come see us at the Iowa Hunger Summit! This Wednesday, July 16, we’re hosting a breakout session: Networking Iowa’s Community-Based Food Groups (Co-hosted by Center for Rural Affairs, Iowa Farmers Union, and IFSC).
Make the Iowa Local Food Promise—Join the Iowa Food System Coalition by pledging a portion of your food budget to be spent on local food this summer.
Share this episode with your friends, family, and neighbors.
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Special thanks to Christina Romp, Paige Chickering, Missy Loux, and Luke Elzinga. Mallory DeVries edited. Music by Chris Schwartz and Lobo Loco.
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