Let's urge our Governor to rethink her stance and accept money to feed hungry SD children next summer.

As I think of the wonderful life I live here on the prairie in South Dakota, there is a roof over my head, family around, and plentiful food in the garden or available in the grocery store.        And yet…  I read that an estimated 60,000 children in our state do NOT have that same access to food, especially in the summer months when not in school.

 
The EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, looks and works like a credit card but buys only food. This is the way SNAP (food stamps) is distributed.  For some reason, South Dakota has opted out of this Federal summer food program worth over $7,000,000.  While Federal funds pay for the food, the state would pay a portion of the administrative costs, likely somewhere under $300,000.
 
Adequate nutrition is critical for a child’s development, learning and behavior. We all benefit as a society when children are well-fed and well-educated. Children grow fast. Their nutrition needs don’t take a vacation, and families need help putting food on the table when school's out. Summer EBT would reach all areas of the state, and be especially helpful in areas without congregate summer lunch sites. Neither program by itself is enough to cover a child’s nutritional needs. Kids need both.
 
This summer (June-Aug, 2024) the $40-a-month federal food benefit would have gone to every child who eats free or reduced-price meals during the school year. While children in other states get this benefit, South Dakota denied this food to its children.

  Can we ask our state to accept this food and get involved in a positive and helpful way?  YES!  …By being faithful to our common humanity!
 
I urge our Governor and legislators to accept the Summer 2025 EBT assistance program.  Our children should not have to go another summer without this food.  Help children return to classrooms in the fall ready to learn.