Pillen reverses course on summer food program

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen announced Monday that the state will be reversing its previous rejection and opting into the federal summer EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) program, a move aimed at providing crucial assistance to students on free or reduced meal programs during summer months.

The federal program, which issues a $120 EBT card to eligible students for grocery purchases over the summer break, is expected to ensure access to meals for approximately 150,000 children in Nebraska. Additionally, the program is projected to bring in $18 million in economic benefits for the state, according to Nebraska Appleseed, a nonprofit organization advocating for justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans.

The decision to opt into the program follows significant advocacy efforts, including the introduction of a bill by State Sen. Jen Day, which faced no opposition during its hearing before the Nebraska Health and Human Services committee on Feb. 1. Gov. Pillen attributed his change in stance to listening to advocates of the program, including State Sen. Ray Aguilar.

Pillen emphasized the inclusion of "touch points" as part of the program to ensure ongoing support for children during the summer.

Initially, Pillen had stood firm in his rejection of the program, citing a disbelief in welfare and expressing a desire to end pandemic-era relief programs. However, the governor acknowledged the pressure from various stakeholders, including fellow lawmakers and constituents, prompting his reconsideration.

The announcement came during a joint press conference on Monday where Governor Pillen, alongside Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services CEO Steve Corsi and Dr. Brian Maher, Commissioner for the Nebraska Department of Education, unveiled an initiative aimed at strengthening Nebraska's summer food service program, which includes participation in the Summer EBT program.

Eric Savaiano, Program Manager for Food and Nutrition Access at Nebraska Appleseed, expressed delight at Nebraska's decision, stressing the importance of community outreach and pressure in influencing elected officials. Savaiano commended the leadership of Senators Day and Aguilar and thanked Governor Pillen for listening to the needs of Nebraska's children.

In response to the announcement, Dr. Rebecca Firestone, Executive Director of the OpenSky Policy Institute, lauded the decision as an "economy-driving investment" that supports working families and reflects shared values as Nebraskans. Firestone emphasized the positive impact of the Summer EBT program in reducing child hunger and improving the quality of diet, ultimately enabling children to learn and thrive.