As the federal government shutdown stretches to its one-month mark, hundreds of thousands of Iowans are bracing for November without food assistance. Local food pantries say they face an “unprecedented challenge” when Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are lost on Saturday, Nov. 1.
Big Grove Brewery, and its charitable arm, Big Grove for Good Foundation, have stepped up by donating $12,000 to three Midwest food banks: Eastern Iowa’s Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP), central Iowa’s Food Bank of Iowa, and the Food Bank for the Heartland, which serves western Iowa, Omaha, and parts of Nebraska.
The donations are targeted toward community organizations in the areas Big Grove’s taprooms serve. Founded in Solon, the brewery operates four additional locations in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines, and most recently an Omaha taproom that opened in September.
Big Grove pledges $4K to each food pantry
The $4,000 donations to the three food pantries are to help residents attain what Big Grove believe’s are basic essentials, according to the Big Grove for Good Foundation. A U.S. Senate vote on Oct. 28 —for the 13th time — failed as Americans endure what is already the second-longest shutdown in history…