Iowa and Nebraska Reject Federal Summer Food Program for Kids

Opposition voices concern over impact on low-income families, while Nebraska opts for alternative program.

Iowa and Nebraska have opted out of a summer food program for kids that provides each child in a low-income family with $40 a month to help with the cost of food while school is out of session.
Republican Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen have stated that federal COVID-era cash benefit programs are not sustainable and don't provide long-term solutions for the issues impacting children and families.
Democratic officials and bipartisan lawmakers in both states have expressed opposition towards the decision, stating it will have real impacts on children and families in their respective states.
Nebraska will participate in another food assistance program, the Summer Food Service Program, which includes physical activity and nutrition education.
States have until Jan. 1 to notify the Department of Agriculture of their participation in the Summer EBT program, with at least 18 states and two tribal nations indicating they will participate.