Nebraska children could get $18 million in federal food assistance — if the state opts in

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A child nutrition program could deliver $18 million in food benefits to Nebraska families, but the state still needs to decide if it wants it.

Congress authorized a summer nutrition program starting next year for children whose household income makes them eligible for free and reduced school lunches.

Each child would receive a $120 electronic benefits transfer card to help buy food during the summer months. 

Eric Savaiano, food and nutrition access manager at Nebraska Appleseed, said money could be distributed among 150,000 Nebraska kids. 

“That’s the number of kids on free and reduced-priced meal,” Savaiano said. 

The federal program is optional, and states need to decide whether to be a part of it before Jan. 1. 

The states that participate would have to cover some administrative cost.  For Nebraska, that could mean $300,000 annually. 

“It’s a drop in the bucket,” said Anahi Salazar, policy coordinator with Voices for Children. “That $300,000 is very minuscule compared to the $18 million that will come, that would be provided to Nebraska families.”

A Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services spokesman told the Nebraska Examiner that the department is reviewing the program’s information.

Nonprofits in Nebraska said there is a growing demand for food assistance programs.

They say this program, which is different from existing free summer meal programs, will help many struggling families.

Salazar said many families that work during the summer do not have the ability to go to free summer meals that are offered on-site.