Iowa saw a 12.3% increase in the number of residents enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) between January and May of this year. According to the Legislative Services Agency, a sharp increase of 31,909 recipients happened in April related to the COVID-19 shutdown.

Every county in the state saw an increase, except Chickasaw County. Washington County saw a 3.8% increase, Iowa County increased 4.3%, Keokuk County 3.9%, Henry County 5.9%, Louisa County 8.3%, Jefferson County 9.1%, and Johnson County 14.8%.

In June, enrollment then decreased by almost 30,000 people with people returning to work.

To be eligible for SNAP, a family must have a household income at or below 160% of the federal poverty level. So, for a family of three that equals a gross annual income of about $34,752. The average benefit is $226.90 per month for a household or $109.05 per month for an individual.