DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — Food banks and pantries across Iowa are preparing for an uptick in clients as expanded SNAP benefits come to an end by April 1st. According to Iowa DHS, SNAP benefits were increased by a minimum of $95 a month at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to address food insecurity. Now, people will be losing anywhere from $95 a month to upwards of $250.

Last April, the USDA announced the expansion of benefits for people on SNAP. However, when Iowa’s emergency proclamation was not extended in February, it also impacted the federal money coming to Iowa for those expanded SNAP benefits.

The Food Bank of Iowa CEO says that equates to about $27-million less per month coming into Iowa’s economy, from the federal government. Food banks and pantries across the State are still doing their best, despite inflation and supply chain issues, to stock up on supplies.