(Missouri News Service – Farah Siddiqi) – Missouri is planning ahead to ensure children from lower-income families have enough to eat this summer.
The state has opted into a federal food assistance program known as Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), which provides additional grocery funds during the long summer break. According to the most recent data from the nonprofit Feeding America, one in eight children in Missouri is food insecure.
Christine Woody, food security policy manager for Empower Missouri, mentioned that 12% of Missouri households do not always have enough food, and the $40 per summer month allocated for qualifying children will significantly help.
“It doesn’t seem like a whole lot,” Woody acknowledged. “However, with the significant increase in milk, egg, and other food prices, these extra funds will assist families when they’re not in school and not receiving free or reduced-price lunches.”
It’s estimated that approximately 429,000 Missouri children will benefit from the program, with more than $51 million in benefits flowing into the state to be spent at local grocery stores.
Chad Higdon, CEO of Second Harvest Community Food Bank in St. Joseph, expressed his support for the initiative, which began as pilot programs in other states. He believes the additional assistance can make a meaningful difference, especially for rural families.
“Summer can be the hungriest time of the year for families with school-aged children, and the benefits have been most significant for kids in rural communities,” Higdon pointed out. “Young families are among the most vulnerable, so this is an excellent opportunity to support low-income families.”
Feeding America reports that inadequate nutrition can significantly impact a child’s physical, mental, and behavioral health and development. The Summer EBT program is expected to benefit about 21 million children in 35 states.
