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Miami Herald
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Young children may go hungry as summer begins
Tens of thousands of children could go hungry this summer as a growing number of states and cities decline federal summer food dollars, slash their own offerings or reach capacity earlier than expected. More than 40 percent of summer meal participants are children ages 5 to 8. Thirteen states, all led by Republican governors, opted out of the federal SUN Bucks program this summer, which launched in 2024 and provides $120 in grocery benefits for eligible school-aged children during the months when school is out. Those states include Indiana, where last year, 669,000 children received SUN Bucks benefits, and Tennessee, which would have received $70 million in federal funds for the program. Instead of spending $6 million in state funds to administer the federal program, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee proposed a $3 million state-funded summer food program. That program will feed about 4 percent of the 700,000 children who were served by SUN Bucks last year. In Montana, legislators turned down nearly $20 million in federal funds, claiming the program is duplicative of other existing programs. "I think something people don't always recognize is that summer is the hungriest time of year for families," said Rachel Sabella, director of the nonprofit No Kid Hungry New York. SUN Bucks in particular gives families more flexibility during the summer to access food, she added. Cities and school districts have also announced cuts or limits to summer meals. Clarissa Doutherd, a parent and family advocate in Oakland, was stunned when she heard the news this spring that her town's summer food program would be canceled. In Oakland, California, where the cost of living far exceeds the national average and about 33,000 children rely on free or reduced-price meals during the school year, she knew thousands of children would go without meals. "The idea that in the city of Oakland, children could possibly go hungry, that our most vulnerable families would be at risk of hunger, is unimaginable," said Doutherd, who is executive director of Parent Voices Oakland, a grassroots organization. In Maryland, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, where more than 40 percent of students receive free or reduced-price lunch during the year, will be offering fewer summer meal locations than last year. A summer meal program in Santa Barbara, California, was canceled this year due to budget cuts. And in Dayton, Ohio, summer meal programs are already at capacity, far earlier than in previous years. Nationwide, 1 in 5 children don't have enough food each day. Elementary-age children account for the largest group of students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, and they are especially vulnerable when out of school. Food insecurity can have long-term consequences, especially for children who experience ongoing hunger early in life. Ongoing hunger has been linked to cognitive and health declines in children, and research shows children who experience food insecurity during the earliest years of school have lower test scores, are more likely to repeat a grade and have more social challenges. Summer meal programs can ease hunger and food insecurity, but already struggle to reach all children who may need food. Research shows only 15 children out of every 100 that qualify for free or reduced-price lunch during the school year access summer food programs, even before the recent shifts in policy. In Oakland, cutting summer meals is short-sighted, Doutherd said, especially at a time when Congress is debating cuts to other federal food benefits. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump canceled a program that brings local food to schools. Food banks are experiencing shortages after some federal funds were cut. And at least 2 million children could experience cuts to their food benefits under Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cuts proposed by Congress. (Changes to SNAP could also affect summer meal eligibility.) Trump's proposed 2026 budget cuts the amount of money low-income children receive monthly for fruits and vegetables from $26 to $10. In New York, Sabella said she has seen community organizations and school districts step up to help fill food gaps this summer. "We are at least seeing communities recognize that families are struggling with economic costs going on, with hunger on the rise," Sabella said. But these programs are anticipating ongoing challenges as Congress considers more cuts. "If these federal proposals were to go through, we would see hunger rise in every ZIP code across the country," Sabella said. Private donors recently stepped in to help reinstate Oakland's summer food program. Still, summer meals never should have been considered as a possible cut, Doutherd said. "Families and children deserve better. Whatever savings our city might accomplish, … we will pay for in the future." Contact staff writer Jackie Mader at 212-678-3562 or mader@ This story about summer food programs was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for the Hechinger newsletter. The post Young children may go hungry as summer begins appeared first on The Hechinger Report.
Newsweek
24-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Greg Abbott Vetoes Extra SNAP Benefits Over Trump Uncertainty
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Texas Governor Gregg Abbott has vetoed a state budget measure that would have allowed more than three million children to receive extra food benefits. Signing off on a two-year state budget this week, Abbott said that "significant uncertainty" over federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) means the state will not proceed with the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) in 2025 — a federal program that provides additional benefits during the summer months. Newsweek contacted Abbott's office for comment via email outside of regular working hours. Governor Greg Abbott speaking in the Texas State Capitol in Austin in April. Governor Greg Abbott speaking in the Texas State Capitol in Austin in April. Brandon Bell Why It Matters Summer EBT, also known as SUN Bucks, is a program that provides $120 in food benefits to eligible children each summer in multiple states. Most of these children are in families who collect SNAP benefits, which are issued to low- and no-income households across the country to help them pay for groceries. According to Feeding Texas, a network of food banks that serves every Texas county, some 3.75 million children were expected to receive the Summer EBT. What To Know As it stands, states pay for half of the administrative costs of running the Summer EBT program, while the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pays the other half. The USDA also covers the entire cost of benefits. But this funding model has been earmarked for change under a House Republican budget bill, which is currently being considered in the Senate. It could see states paying for a portion of SNAP benefits in order to reduce federal spending. "As the contingency portions of this rider detail, there is significant uncertainty regarding federal matching rates for this and other similar programs," Abbott wrote in the proclamation announcing the veto. "Once there is more clarity about the long-term fiscal ramifications for creating such a program, the Legislature can reconsider funding this item." Democratic Representatives Armando Walle and Toni Rose, along with No Kid Hungry Texas director Stacie Sanchez Hare, jointly said in a statement: "The reason given for the veto — uncertainty regarding the federal budget and the SNAP program — is unfounded. "Summer EBT matching funds are not tied to SNAP rates, and we have no reason to believe they are at risk." Summer EBT In total, 37 states are taking part in the SUN Bucks program this summer. It is not available in 2025 in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming. What People Are Saying Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, said in a statement: "We are deeply disappointed by the decision to veto funding for the Summer EBT program in Texas. This program would have provided critical nutrition support to children during the summer months when school meals are unavailable and food insecurity often peaks. "We appreciate Governor Abbott's openness to reconsidering Summer EBT funding in the future. We stand ready to work with the governor and legislative leaders to find a path forward that ensures Texas children do not go hungry during the summer months." The Texas House Democratic Caucus said in a statement: "In a stunning display of misplaced priorities, Governor Abbott used his line-item veto power to eliminate just one Legislature-approved item from Texas' $338 billion state budget: a $60 million program to feed hungry Texas children during summer months." Christina Morales, a Texas Democratic Representative, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: "Abbott just slammed the door on hungry Texas kids by vetoing summer lunch funding. This decision to hide behind federal uncertainty is morally bankrupt and shows he's completely out of touch with struggling families across our state." What Happens Next Abbott has confirmed that once there is more clarity regarding the funding of SNAP benefits, participation in the program can be reconsidered. Are you a SNAP recipient in Texas who could have received Summer EBT? How do you feel about Abbott's decision? Email
Newsweek
24-06-2025
- General
- Newsweek
SNAP Summer EBT Payments: 3 States To Pay in July
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Certain families with school-age children across three states will be receiving extra food benefits in July. Why It Matters The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program—also known as Summer EBT or SUN Bucks—provides $120 per eligible school-aged child to help low- and no-income families across the U.S. buy groceries during the summer months when school meals aren't available. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which pays for the program, estimated it would assist some 21 million children nationwide, distributing about $2.5 billion in benefits across 35 states, five U.S. territories, and four tribal nations. Most recipients are those who already receive regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits—monthly food benefits that are sent to some 40 million people across the U.S. and its overseas territories. What To Know This year, 37 states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories are participating in the Summer EBT program. Depending on the state, benefits will be issued in one of the following ways: Loaded onto an existing SNAP EBT card Added to a previous Summer EBT card Mailed on a new Summer EBT card Many states have already distributed benefits, sending out payments in June. The following states are expected to be sending out payments in July, according to fintech EBT benefits app Propel: Massachusetts Pennsylvania Virginia The following states will not be providing Summer EBT payments this season: Alaska Florida Georgia Idaho Indiana Iowa Mississippi Oklahoma (with the exception of tribal nations) South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Wyoming Stock image/file photo: A young girl looking at products in a grocery store. Stock image/file photo: A young girl looking at products in a grocery store. GETTY Who Qualifies for Summer EBT? Children are eligible for Summer EBT if they participate in certain assistance programs or receive free or reduced-price school meals. Eligible groups include: Children in households enrolled in SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Medicaid (in participating states). Students attending schools that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and who meet income guidelines Most eligible families will get the extra benefits automatically. Those who don't but think they qualify can apply through their state's Summer EBT website. Summer EBT funds expire 122 days after being issued, so families should use them as soon as possible. What Can I Buy With Summer EBT? The extra benefits can be used like regular SNAP benefits. You can buy fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, meat, poultry, prepared snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, as well as seeds and plants if you like to grow your own food at home. SNAP benefits cannot be used for certain items, like alcohol, hot prepared meals, vitamins and food supplements, tobacco, cleaning products and other household items.
Chicago Tribune
15-06-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
SUN Meals answer summer hunger pangs
The kids sat at picnic tables at New Chicago's Twin Oaks Park Thursday munching on ham and cheddar submarine sandwiches provided by the food service department at the River Forest Community School Corp. 'They love it,' Britney Bansley said of her three children, Joshua Smith, 8, Cephas Smith, 6, and Evalynn Smith, 4. 'This my first time here because I have a random day off. My babysitter has been bringing them.' Bansley said she likes the program also because if the kids don't finish their meals, they're able to bring them home to eat later. River Forest is one of dozens of Northwest Indiana school districts and charter schools taking part in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's SUN Meals, a free summer nutrition program for children 18-and-under. 'Our kids really need it,' said River Forest food service director Nick Alessandri. 'Thirty-five is a pretty good turnout,' he said of Thursday's attendance at Twin Oaks. 'I definitely think the program is necessary.' Throughout the U.S., various sites, including schools, parks, libraries, and others offer free lunches while school is out to make sure children receive nutritious options. Formerly known as the Summer Food Service Program, it's been around for decades and received a menu update last year by the Biden administration with SUN Meals, SUN Meals To-GO and the new SUN Bucks program. This year, Indiana opted out of the second-year SUN Bucks program, which provides needy families in the Electronic Benefits Transfer program (EBT) with a grocery benefit of $120 per eligible school child. Indiana joined the program last year under former Gov. Eric Holcomb, but officials in the Braun administration blamed Holcomb's administration for insufficient planning and funding preparations leaving it unable to fulfill the program's requirements. The SUN Meals program, however, remains unaffected throughout the state. The Twin Oaks Park site is one five sites served by River Forest schools, said Superintendent Kevin Trezak. Twin Oaks is the lone one with a learning component, said New Chicago Park Board vice president Morgan McCabe. On Thursday, the children watched Patricia Riley-Churilla teach common American Sign Language phrases such as family and mother. They also have speakers from the New Chicago-Lake Station Public Library and the Shirley Heinze Land Trust. The kids craft art projects on Mondays and last year, they painted park benches, McCabe said. Trezak said the three offsites together are averaging about 85 kids a day. 'These are great numbers for us since the offsite spots are aimed to serve those with transportation needs,' he said. Northwest Indiana is home to multiple free school lunch sites from East Chicago to LaPorte. To find a site, see:
Newsweek
13-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
SNAP Recipients Get Extra Money This Month in California
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in California will be getting some extra money this month. Why It Matters More than 40 million low-income Americans benefit from SNAP, which allows them to use EBT cards on qualifying food purchases at their local grocery stores. During the summer, SNAP recipients may face additional financial hardship as children no longer benefit from free or reduced lunch that's offered at public schools. The extra money in California's SNAP benefits this month could mark the difference between a child going hungry or not. What To Know Roughly 4 million California children are set to receive automatic "SUN Bucks" food benefits via an EBT card that will be mailed out later this month. The food benefits are an extra $120, with additional grocery funds going out in monthly $40 installments through the fall. "We are proud that California was one of the first states in the nation to launch this new federal program last year, which is helping families in need across California," California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Director Jennifer Troia said in a statement. "Last year, nearly $500 million in food purchases were made using SUN Bucks food benefits by families and caregivers in California." Households are automatically enrolled if their child receives free or reduced-price school meals or if the family already receives CalFresh, California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids or Medi-Cal benefits. Children in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or part of a migrant family are also automatically enrolled. Children who aren't automatically enrolled can apply by submitting a school mail application or Universal Benefits Application to their school by September 2. Fruit and vegetables are seen at a Walmart supermarket in Houston on May 15. Fruit and vegetables are seen at a Walmart supermarket in Houston on May 15. RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images What People Are Saying Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "While most students look forward to summer break, for some, the period is not without hardships. For some children, accessibility to affordable food may present problems. Under SNAP, California has developed a system for the summer months where SUN bucks are issued to help eligible families cover the costs of some food purchases." Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "This will definitely help, although you are only providing $6/day to feed an eligible individual based on a 20/day month. Many won't see this as enough but it definitely helps." What Happens Next? All "SUN Bucks" cards should be sent by the end of July. All SUN Bucks funds must be used within 122 days. "This extra funding ensures children who receive free or reduced meals during the school year can be provided for at the dinner table during the months when classes aren't in session," Beene said. "California is not alone in this, as other states have attempted similar programs to provide meals to the most vulnerable during the summer months. It's a good trend."
