States bold plan for summer food aid

By Andi Anderson

Gov. Kim Reynolds recently announced plans to reapply for a waiver to implement an alternative summer meal assistance program under the Trump administration. The proposal aims to address concerns with the existing federal Summer EBT program, which provides low-income families with electronic benefits for grocery purchases during summer months. Critics argue the state has previously missed out on federal funding by opting out of the program.

The state’s Department of Health and Human Services had submitted a waiver earlier to initiate a demonstration feeding project. Unlike the federal program, this initiative would distribute three monthly boxes of nutritious food to eligible families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty line, potentially benefiting 300,000 food-insecure children.

The federal waiver request was denied under the current administration, but the governor expressed optimism about approval under the incoming Republican leadership.

The Summer EBT program, funded at $2.5 billion, offers $40 per child monthly for families earning at or below 185% of the poverty line. However, the governor raised concerns about the program's lack of nutritional oversight and high administrative costs, with states required to cover over half of those expenses. Instead, the proposed program aims to focus on delivering healthy foods directly to families.

Food aid advocates, however, remain skeptical. They argue the federal government lacks the authority to redirect Summer EBT funds to support the state’s alternative program, as its structure fundamentally differs. Advocates also emphasize that families should have the freedom to make their own food choices rather than relying on pre-selected boxes.

Despite these concerns, some see a potential pathway for the state to receive federal support for the project as a demonstration initiative. Advocates have urged the state to consider applying for both the existing Summer EBT program and its proposed alternative.

The state has until January 1 to decide on its participation in Summer EBT. Meanwhile, efforts continue to address administrative challenges and seek funding solutions for food-insecure families.

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