15 States Decline Federal Summer Food Aid for Children

The refusal, led by Republican governors, leaves millions of vulnerable children without crucial support during the summer months.

Millions of children in the U.S. could face hunger this summer as 15 states, all led by Republican governors, opt out of the federal Summer EBT program.
The program, designed to provide additional food assistance to low or no-income families during the summer, was supported by bipartisan Congress and is expected to cost $2.5 billion.
Critics argue that the refusal to participate is politically motivated, with some states citing administrative costs or a desire to return to pre-pandemic normalcy as reasons.
Advocacy groups and experts highlight the rising food insecurity among children, with over 13 million living in food-insecure households in 2022, a 44% increase from the previous year.
States that have opted out have been criticized for leaving vulnerable children without crucial support during the summer months, despite the availability of federal funding.