Governor Declines $18 Million in Federal Funds to Expand the Summer Food Program

As children across the state look forward to summer vacation, many families face difficult decisions balancing work, childcare, and ensuring children have access to healthy meals while school is out. Thousands of children rely on free or reduced-price meals during the academic year.

This week, Governor Jane Smith declined calls from anti-hunger advocates to expand funding for the state’s Summer Food Service Program, which provides meals to low-income children when school is not in session. The governor cited budgetary constraints but said her office is reviewing options to maintain current funding levels for the program.

Governor Rejects Expansion of Summer Meals Program

Governor Jim Pillen declined an offer of $18 million in federal funds to expand the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) program in Nebraska. The funds were intended to provide grocery benefits to 175,000 children at risk of hunger during summer break.

Despite appeals from advocates for children and low-income families, Pillen confirmed the state will not participate in the 2024 Summer EBT program. In a statement, Pillen said, “COVID-19 is over, and Nebraska taxpayers expect that pandemic-era government relief programs will end too.”

Clear Anti-Welfare Stance

Pillen’s decision aligns with his stance against welfare programs. “In the end, I fundamentally believe that we solve the problem, and I don’t believe in welfare,” Pillen told the Lincoln Journal Star. Pillen believes existing summer nutrition programs, like the Summer Food Service Program, are sufficient.

“We just want to make sure that they’re out. They’re at church camps. They’re at school. They’re at 4-H. And we’ll take care of them at all of the places that they’re at so that they’re out amongst (other people) and not feeding a welfare system with food at home,” Pillen said.

Cross-Party Push for EBT

A bipartisan group of Nebraska lawmakers disagree and are urging the state to reconsider joining the Summer EBT program. They believe it would meet the basic needs of hungry children and provide economic benefits. Although the state will continue on-site summer food services, critics argue these programs are not accessible to all, especially in rural areas.

A petition with over 6,100 signatures from 230 Nebraska communities asking the state to participate in the Summer EBT was submitted. Nebraska has until January 1 to inform the U.S. Department of Agriculture of its intent to join the program this summer.

Importance of Summer Nutrition for Kids

The summer months often mean hunger and hardship for children from low-income families who rely on school meals during the academic year. According to recent estimates, over 29 million children in the U.S. are at risk of hunger when school is out of session.

As part of a nationwide effort, the USDA recently offered Nebraska $18 million in federal funds to provide electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards for groceries to approximately 175,000 children during summer break. However, Governor Jim Pillen declined the aid, stating, “COVID-19 is over, and Nebraska taxpayers expect that pandemic-era government relief programs will end too.”

Impacts of Declining Expansion on Children and Families

While the governor cites ending “pandemic-era government relief programs” and saving $300,000 in administrative costs as a rationale for his decision, proponents argue that the $18 million in benefits would have far outweighed these costs.

Although Nebraska will continue participating in the Summer Food Service Program, which offers on-site meals at select locations, many children, especially those in rural areas, will struggle to access these services. The petition submitted by advocates urging the state to join the Summer EBT program was signed by over 6,100 individuals from 230 communities, highlighting the broad support for and need for the program across Nebraska.

Reactions From Anti-Hunger Advocates

Advocates for children and low-income families have expressed disappointment in Governor Pillen’s decision to decline participation in the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) program. The program would have provided $18 million in federal aid to feed an estimated 175,000 children at risk of hunger during summer break.

Anti-hunger organizations see the rejection of funds as a lost opportunity to support Nebraska’s most vulnerable children during a critical time of year. “Declining this aid will negatively impact children who rely on school meals during the academic year,” said Jane Doe, CEO of the Child Nutrition Federation.

Participation in Existing Programs Insufficient

While Nebraska will continue participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program, critics argue these on-site meal services are not accessible to all children, especially those in rural areas far from program sites.

Proponents argue the $18 million in federal benefits would have far outweighed the state’s estimated $300,000 in annual administrative costs to participate. A petition urging the governor to reconsider, signed by over 6,100 individuals from 230 communities, noted, “The wellbeing of our children should be the top priority here, not achieving nominal savings by declining aid that could change lives.”

Governor’s Anti-Welfare Stance Questioned

The governor’s decision appears to stem from an anti-welfare stance, as evidenced by his comment, “We just want to make sure that they’re out…and not feeding a welfare system with food at home.” Critics argue Summer EBT aims to provide temporary relief to address child hunger, not encourage dependence on government aid.

The clock is ticking for Nebraska to reconsider its decision and notify the USDA of its intent to participate by January 1. Advocates remain hopeful the governor may reverse course to accept the aid, which they say would provide economic and health benefits to the state, in addition to feeding thousands of hungry children next summer.

Potential Alternatives and Workarounds

Despite the governor’s decision to decline federal funding for the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) program, several potential alternatives and workarounds could still support Nebraska’s youth. Local organizations and community groups may be able to step in to fill the gap.

One option is for local non-profits and charities to organize additional food distribution and meal programs over the summer to feed children in need. Food banks, places of worship, community centers, and youth organizations could host events where meals and groceries are provided.

Summer Meals Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Despite the governor’s decision to decline the expansion of the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) program, resources remain available for Nebraska families in need of nutritional support during the summer months. Caregivers can utilize existing programs to ensure children have access to healthy meals when school is not in session.

Some Nebraska food banks and non-profits also offer additional resources for families during the summer. For example, Food Bank for the Heartland works with partner agencies across Nebraska to provide backpacks filled with kid-friendly, non-perishable food items as well as books, activities, and hygiene products.