Key Takeaways
- Expansive Coverage: The USDA’s new Summer EBT program aims to provide nutritional support to over 20 million children during the summer months.
- State and Territorial Involvement: At least 35 states, five U.S. territories, and four tribes are set to launch Summer EBT in 2024, with more possibly joining in 2025.
- Empowering Families: The program focuses on dignity and choice, allowing families to select nutritious foods that meet their needs.
- Timely Implementation: Launching amid a significant rise in child food insecurity, the program addresses the highest hunger rates in nearly a decade.
- Bipartisan Support and Ongoing Efforts: Feeding America acknowledges the bipartisan effort in Congress and the continuous work of the USDA and state agencies in implementing this vital nutrition assistance program.
Understanding the Summer EBT Program
Addressing a Critical Need
Millions of children lose access to reliable, nutritious meals when schools close for summer. The Summer EBT program by the USDA is a response to this crisis, ensuring that children continue to receive adequate nutrition throughout the summer, fostering their health and readiness to learn in the fall.
The Role of Feeding America
Feeding America has been instrumental in advocating for the Summer EBT program. Their decade-long efforts with food banks and communities have been pivotal in highlighting to lawmakers the necessity of such a program.
The Impact of Summer Hunger on Children
In 2022, child food insecurity reached alarming heights, with more than 13 million children facing hunger – a 44% increase from the previous year. This program arrives at a critical time, aiming to reverse this trend and provide stability and food security for children.
The Future of Child Nutrition and Hunger Eradication
Today’s students are the future. Consistent access to nutritious food is crucial for their overall development and success. The Summer EBT program is a significant step towards realizing a future where child hunger is a thing of the past.
Ongoing Commitment
Feeding America’s dedication to working with communities, Congress, and administration is unwavering. They aim to devise and implement solutions to eradicate hunger among children in the U.S.
The Summer EBT program significantly advances the fight against child hunger in the United States. Its focus on empowering families, providing extensive coverage, and receiving bipartisan support sets a precedent for future initiatives to ensure no child goes hungry.
Image provided by the USDA
