Summer EBT Program: Governor Jim Pillen’s Change Of Heart Towards The Program

The Summer EBT program is now in Nebraska after their governor, who previously opposed the program, had a change of heart.

With the Summer EBT program, additional aid will be given when needed. (Photo: Los Angeles Times)

Funds For The Summer EBT Program

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has decided to accept $18 million in federal funds to provide food for approximately 150,000 at-risk children during the summer.

The funds will be distributed through the Summer EBT program, which offers preloaded cards to low-income families eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.

According to a published article by SmartNews, the governor’s change of heart came after speaking with students who faced food insecurity during the summer months. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services will also ensure that the recipients of the Summer EBT program receive additional aid if needed.

The decision to participate in the Summer EBT program was prompted by public pressure and aims to address the food insecurity experienced by 12.1% of households in Nebraska.

Summer EBT Program In Nebraska

In a published article by the Nebraska Examiner, Dr. Karla Lester, a pediatrician in Lincoln, spoke publicly at age 55 about her childhood experiences with hunger and the shame associated with it.

She supports a proposal to require Nebraska to participate in the national Summer EBT program, which would provide $18 million in federal funds for groceries to about 150,000 low-income Nebraska youths.

Currently, 35 states, the District of Columbia, and 10 tribes and US territories have opted into the Summer EBT program.

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