Letter to the Editor: Submitted by Nancy Walleser

To the Editor:

In Allamakee County, we care about our neighbors and come together to help when we can. It’s a good place to live. Unfortunately, some of our neighbors don’t always have enough to eat. Food insecurity is an issue facing one in 14 seniors right here in Allamakee County.

Our older Iowans deserve to live their lives with dignity. Programs like Meals on Wheels try to meet the needs by delivering hot daily meals, but the waiting list for meals is increasing and the funding is decreasing. Seniors struggle with securing SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) due to the legislation Gov. Reynolds, Anne Osmundson, Michael Klimesh, and Republican legislators passed. These politicians have created red tape barriers. Online applications and recertification requirements make it difficult for seniors to get the food assistance they need.

As caring Iowans, we can help those who are hungry by donating money and food to the food pantries in our county. Food pantries are located in Waukon, Lansing, and Postville. Your generosity will help. But, food pantries cannot meet the needs of all. We need to take it a step further.

Call Representative Anne Osmundson and Senator Michael Klimesh and tell them to work at the statehouse to solve hunger issues in Iowa instead of creating barriers for those in need. Our seniors have worked hard and paid taxes their whole lives. They should not go hungry. They deserve better than what Republican lawmakers are serving them.

Nancy Walleser
Harpers Ferry