Sherry Brooks-Nelson, a retiree and sole provider for her granddaughters in Lincoln, Nebraska, has been able to prepare large meals thanks to the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program. This federal initiative provided an extra $40 per child per month for three months to help families buy fresh produce they wouldn’t normally be able to afford. Despite initial resistance from Governor Jim Pillen, Nebraska eventually opted into the program after pressure from lawmakers and advocates who recognized the need to address food insecurity, especially for children who rely on free or reduced lunches during the school year.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services distributed $28 million in summer EBT funding to over 76,000 households, helping to fill gaps where traditional summer meal sites were not as accessible, particularly in rural areas. In neighboring Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds chose not to participate in the program, citing concerns about childhood obesity rates, leading to an increase in food pantry usage.
Advocates in Nebraska emphasized the importance of multiple food and nutrition programs working together to strengthen food and nutrition security for families in need. They noted that while summer EBT is just one component of this system, when combined with other programs like SNAP and school meals, it can make a significant impact in ensuring families have access to nutritious food throughout the year.
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