The States Keeping Their Children Hungry

The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer could help feed millions of children in households experiencing food insecurity, yet 13 states have declined to participate in the program

-  ALISS HIGHAM

"I DON'T BELIEVE IN WELFARE," Nebraska governor Jim Pillen said in December 2023 in response to questions regarding the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer.

His state was one of 15 that had declined to take part in the federally funded scheme, which will give families struggling with poverty additional money over the summer to help them feed their children.

In the run-up to the January 1 deadline for states to confirm participation in the program, Nebraskans took the fight to feed hungry kids direct to Pillen's door. Protesters held signs outside of the Governor's Residence in Lincoln, reading, "Why allow children to go hungry?" and "Food is the most important school supply." Less than two months later, after pressure piled on by advocacy groups and ordinary Nebraskans, Pillen, a Republican, announced the state would backtrack on the decision.

Having spoken with children from low-income families, he said: "They talked about being hungry. And they talked about the summer USDA program and, depending upon access, when they'd get a sack of food. And from my seat, what I saw there, we have to do better in Nebraska." Food banks in Nebraska have said the reversal means there will be less pressure on poverty aid services when schools are out for the summer.

"We continue to see record numbers of families coming to us to access food and this need always increases during the summer months when kids are out of school," Mike Hornacek, president and CEO of Together Omaha in Nebraska, told Newsweek.

But despite Nebraska's backtrack, there are still 13 states that have declined to join the program.

What Is the Summer EBT?

The program will provide additional funding to help feed children from low or no-income families. Those eligible will receive an additional $40 per month, a total of $120 per child, to pay for groceries when school is out for the summer this year.