About this episode
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 NetworkDig 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 ActionIowa 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
