Hunter
12/19/24
Over 150 groups and organizations have sent a letter to Governor Kim Reynolds, encouraging her to sign Iowa up for the Summer EBT program.
The EBT program, called SUN Bucks, gives $40 per month on EBT cards to each child in a low-income family in the summer. Reynolds opted out of the program this past summer, citing administrative costs and implying that families would spend the funds on unhealthy food. She instead asked the federal government to let Iowa create its own summer food program.
Reynolds’ office said her food program would deliver three monthly boxes of healthy food to kids instead of sending them the money. The USDA has denied the application, saying it does not meet the goal of the SUN Bucks program. The Reynolds administration argues that her plan would ultimately feed more kids.
The Governor said she plans to pitch the idea again once President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
The deadline to send a letter of intent to the USDA to participate in the SUN Bucks program is January 1.
The letter, which said families and caregivers should be able to make their own choices when it comes to feeding children, said in part that while a $40 monthly benefit per eligible child may not seem like a large amount, it would absolutely make a meaningful difference in the lives of Iowa families. It added that the Summer EBT has been shown to support healthy eating and reduce childhood food insecurity.
Local groups and organizations that joined in the letter include the Community Action of Southeast Iowa, Coralville Community Food Pantry, Corridor Community Action Network, Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans, Johnson County Board of Supervisors, Johnson County Public Health, North Liberty Community Pantry, North Liberty Library, Table to Table Food Distribution Network, and United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties.