SNAP Disruption: Community Information & Resources
More than 11,000 Johnson and Washington County residents lost access to $1.9 million in federal food assistance from November 1 through November 14. The effects of this disruption will continue to impact families in our community as they begin to recover from the financial strain this has caused.
United Way has activated its Johnson County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) network to partner with the Johnson County Food Access Network for a coordinated community response to ensure continued access to food and essential resources.
For Individuals and Families Who SNAP Benefits
We know many families have experienced a disruption in their SNAP benefits. Here is the latest information we have
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As of Friday, November 14, SNAP benefits have been issued.
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To check your EBT balance, call 800-359-5802, or log into your Connect EBT account.
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Local food pantries understand that this disruption in benefits is likely to cause continued financial strain for many families, and are prepared for increased visits.
To find food resources: Dial 2-1-1, visit 211iowa.org, or review this List of Local Resources.
If you need immediate help for other needs, dial 2-1-1 or visit 211iowa.org to connect confidentially with trained specialists 24/7 for food, health, housing, utility assistance, and other resources. Services are free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.
How You Can Help
Thank you to everyone reaching out to support our community. As of November 14, SNAP benefits have been reinstated. However, the disruption will continue to affect families in the coming weeks, and our Food Access Network partners are preparing to meet ongoing demand.
Partners shared that many households used money normally reserved for rent, utilities, and other essentials during the benefit disruption. While SNAP has resumed, it will take time for families to catch up financially. Because of this, local food resources will continue to see increased need.
Give Where it Helps Most
The best way to help right now is to support local food pantries and programs already serving families every day. Your financial or food donations go further when given through the Food Access Network, which makes sure help is shared fairly across the community.
Donate to the Food Access Network Fund through United Way below.
100% of donated funds will stay local to support food purchasing through the Johnson County Food Access Network.
NOTE: We have had reports of issues with the donation webform below. We are working to fix this issue with our website. In the meantime, if you are unable to complete a donation through the form, you can use this alternate link to send a payment to the Food Access Network Fund.
Food Drives
United Way is coordinating food drives to keep efforts organized and effective, please email food@unitedwayjwc.org to get involved.
If your business, faith group, or organization wants to host one, we’ll provide:
-A current list of Most Needed Food Items
-Drop-off locations or connections to transport help
-Guidance to make sure your drive meets real needs
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