Metro Iowa organizations are preparing to end the effects of COVID-19 benefits

As some COVID-19 benefits and federal resources for resources begin to decline, local organizations and nonprofits are ready for the influx of people who could come through their doors. Earlier this month, the Iowa Department of Human Services announced that Iowans receiving SNAP benefits will receive less money starting April. According to the Iowa DHS, SNAP benefits were increased by a minimum of $ 95 per month at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to address food insecurity. These additional benefits will cease in March 2022. “When food aid and other state and other programs expire, we will continue to see the need for food aid,” said Melissa Stimple, CEO of Waukee Area Christian Services. Like the organization did at the beginning of the pandemic, Stimple says Waukee Area Christian Services is ready to meet the need and lead people toward resources when they can not. Waukee Area Christian Services offers a range of services such as a pantry, medical needs, rental assistance or a direction towards a rental program and school supplies. Stimple tells KCCI at the start of the pandemic that volunteers noticed they saw a number of new people coming through with assistance for the first time. “We found families facing deferrals or just really missing out on their monthly living expenses,” Stimple said. About $ 50,000 of the organization’s emergency fund went to its customers. More than 100 people used its free clinic. Stimple says that as more benefits and funds run out, they may fall on the community to increase, as has been done years before. “You never know what’s going on in your neighbor’s house,” Stimple said, referring to the pantry. “If we are able to give, each can makes a difference.”