The state told the Agriculture Department that it won't participate in the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children program.

Iowa will not participate this summer in a federal program that gives $40 per month to each child in a low-income family to help with food costs while school is out, state officials have announced.

The state has notified the U.S. Department of Agriculture that it will not participate in the 2024 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children — or Summer EBT — program, the state’s Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Education said in a Friday news release.

“Federal COVID-era cash benefit programs are not sustainable and don’t provide long-term solutions for the issues impacting children and families. An EBT card does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic,” Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds said in the news release.

  • @DarylDutchEnglish
    21•6 months ago

    “An EBT card does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic,” Iowa Republican Gov.”

    So let them starve. Actually it drives them to less healthy food since that is cheaper thus contributing to the obesity.

    They also say that it is not a long term solution. The only true thing they said, however will they put something into motion as a replacement? I wouldn’t hold my breath.

    • @[email protected]English
      15•6 months ago

      She doesn’t even mention whether or how she’s using the saved $2.2 million. I also wouldn’t hold my breath for a replacement or even an enhancement of existing programs.

      • @dhorkEnglish
        9•6 months ago

        Imagine the really awesome “lectern” you can buy with that much