Ah, the eyes. Whoever said Trump’s tariffs would make America great again? Certainly not the struggling families in Iowa. According to the North Liberty Community Pantry and other local food banks, more and more people and families are turning to them for help just to feed themselves. What’s causing all this? First, the pandemic crippled the economy, and then came Trump’s tariffs. Because of these unnecessary high tariffs, many companies, including Walmart, raised their prices. Combined with rising costs for many everyday items, families have begun struggling to meet even their most basic needs.
Ryan Bobst, the pantry’s director, said that about half of the families they encounter are already skipping meals because of tight budgets. Others have had to reduce their food portions due to the worsening economy for working people.
Compared to last year, the food bank has distributed 54,000 extra pounds of food this year. That food has helped feed around 150 new families seeking assistance. Bobst pointed out that most people only turn to food banks when they are desperate and have already spent their savings. Many never expected to find themselves needing help from a food pantry.
Indeed, much of this hardship is caused by the tariffs, which are putting unnecessary financial strain on working families. With demand increasing, food banks in Iowa are hoping for more volunteers and donations to help support these struggling families. If you want to help, consider donating nonperishable items like rice and pasta. Offering eggs and meat is also appreciated if you can afford it.
Many internet users expressed sympathy for the struggling families in Iowa who are forced to visit food banks just to survive. However, some took the opportunity to criticize Trump and his administration. One user wrote, “And the oligarchs laugh about it. Meanwhile, people keep voting for con men and grifters who blame other poor folks for the lack of fair wages and healthcare, when in reality it’s greedy billionaires buying politicians to avoid paying taxes.”
Others pointed out that Iowa partly brought this on themselves by repeatedly supporting Trump and reelecting Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst. One user commented, “They are a red state about to learn that voting or not voting has consequences. Maybe all those farmers who backed the criminal should be donating to the food pantries. Oh wait, he let them down too. Of course, they’re just hoping he’ll come through with handouts like last term.”
