Millions of children are going without extra food on the table this summer, after 13 states said no to joining a federal program that helps families in need buy groceries.

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Millions of American children are going without extra food this summer, after 13 states declined to participate in a federal program that helps families in need buy groceries.

Thirty-seven states, four U.S. territories and five Native American tribes are benefitting from the program, according to the Department of Agriculture. Qualifying families with children who rely on school meals to get enough to eat are getting an extra $120 per child this summer to help feed their kids.

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The states that declined to participate in the program cited reasons such as problems with aging state computer systems, philosophical opposition to welfare programs, and a belief that existing free meal programs are sufficient. All 13 are led by Republican governors.

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An estimated 2 million Florida children could have benefited from more than $258 million in aid this summer if state officials hadn’t turned it down. Nationwide, roughly 21 million kids are being fed by the program this year.

    • Flying Squid
      27•2 months ago

      Let them blame Biden. What are people going to do, not vote for him?

      • @Atsur
        7•2 months ago

        I believe that is their hope, yes

        • @samus12345English
          8•2 months ago

          It must have worked, because I’m certainly not voting for him!