(Des Moines, IA) -- Childless adults between 18 and 54 must now work, volunteer, or be in a training program for at least 20 hours a week to keep their SNAP benefits.
The new federal rules took effect September 1st for Iowans receiving food assistance through the program. The rules will expand on November 1st to include adults up to age 64 while ending exemptions for veterans and homeless individuals.
Advocates say the change will cause thousands of families to lose aid and put more strain on local food pantries. An analysis from the Iowa Hunger Coalition projects the new law will cost Iowa at least one-billion dollars in federal food aid over the next decade.
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