The Polk County Board of Supervisors on Thursday voted unanimously on the allocation of $1 million to bolster local food programs. The funding is a response to hardships faced by SNAP-eligible households following the suspension of benefits due to the federal government shutdown. The funds are earmarked for the Food Bank of Iowa, the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC), and Caring Hands. “While no local funding can completely offset the nutrition gap left by the suspension of federal SNAP benefits, this significant and immediate short-term assistance helps support existing systems fill their food pantries in Polk County during this critical period,” board chair Matt McCoy said in a prepared statement. “Polk County is determined to invest additional funds to bolster the established food procurement and distribution systems, addressing this urgent necessity.” The funds from this special allocation will be distributed immediately. The $1 million investment by Polk County will provide support through November. If the federal government remains shut down with suspended SNAP benefits, Polk County will readdress if it lasts to December. Distribution of the funds will be as follows: $750,000 to the Food Bank of Iowa, $230,000 to the Des Moines Area Religious Council and $20,000 to Caring Hands.