Lang
12/22/23
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has declined $29 million in federal funding aimed at helping feed the state’s underprivileged children next summer, in-part citing concerns over childhood obesity.
The Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children program was started during the COVID-19 pandemic by the federal government in response to rising food insecurity. It was permanently authorized by the Biden Administration and Congress earlier this year through the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The program provides families with children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals $40 per child per month during the summer to purchase food. The funds are provided on an EBT card in the child’s name. Participating states are required to cover half of the administrative costs, which would have cost an estimated $2.2 million for the state of Iowa.
Reynolds issued a statement Friday saying she was declining the money, claiming COVID-era programs are no longer sustainable, and that the Summer EBT for Children program is not a long-term solution to the problem of child food insecurity. Reynolds added that EBT cards can be used to purchase unhealthy foods, potentially contributing to childhood obesity.
The governor went on to say she would like to see the Biden Administration spend more money on already-existing state level programs aimed at fighting child food insecurity.