By Michelle Book | President and CEO, Food Bank of Iowa

It’s no secret — my strongest passion is finding an end to food insecurity. In fact, it’s now my vocation and in the last 18 months I have learned a lot about hunger. Did you know women are twice as likely as men to need food assistance during their lifetime? 

Financially supporting themselves and their family is a struggle for many households led by women. According to the 2016 SHE Matters report, more than 70 percent of female-headed households in Iowa struggle to achieve economic self-sufficiency.The report calls for organizations and individuals across Iowa to take action and address the barriers that keep women from realizing full potential.

Right now, Congress is working on the Farm Bill, which determines the fate of vital food assistance programs, including SNAP. A proposed cut to the SNAP budget will leave millions of American women and children — hundreds of thousands of Iowa’s women and children — in the lurch and hungry.

In the face of this, I cannot and will not sit idly. To take action and do my part, I have visited with our local elected officials about the importance of emergency food programs and how something like this encourages and ensures every Iowan has access to something they need to thrive.   

Please take a moment to consider issues that are important to you. Is it improving women’s health? Is it helping children thrive in school? Is it ensuring senior citizens live a dignified life? 

Whatever your passion, start talking about it. Tell your friends, your neighbors and your family. Meet with your legislator. Now is the time to act. As we begin another campaign cycle, candidates for public office are more accessible than ever. Seize this opportunity to invite a candidate to visit with you or your organization.

Women need change. Women lead change. Be the change.