WATERLOO, Iowa — The Northeast Iowa Food Bank (NEIFB) is calling for continued community support following the end of the federal government shutdown. Despite the resumption of SNAP benefits, the demand for food assistance remains high.

Barbara Prather, Executive Director of NEIFB, emphasized the ongoing need for support. "We are relieved the government shutdown has come to an end, but the truth is the need has not," Prather said. She noted that many families are still recovering from financial strains caused by the shutdown.

NEIFB serves 16 counties in northeast Iowa, where more than 45,000 people face food insecurity daily. The food bank witnessed a 51 percent increase in pantry visits in early November compared to October, with nearly 10 percent of those visits from first-time visitor

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