Nebraska’s Summer EBT Program: Nourishing Families and Changing Minds
This summer, more than 121,000 families in Nebraska found relief at the grocery store thanks to an innovative federal food assistance initiative: the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program for Children. Just a few months prior, however, this very program faced setbacks and opposition from state leadership.
Initially, Governor Jim Pillen expressed hesitation about participating in the Summer EBT initiative, arguing that it was a residual effect of pandemic response measures that, in his view, were no longer necessary. He was quoted as saying he held reservations about welfare programs in general, opting instead for traditional food distribution methods that required families to visit community sites. His approach aimed to foster a community-driven system that enabled local observation of children’s needs for supplementary services.
Despite the governor’s initial reluctance, advocates and state legislators rallied for a change. The vital need for food assistance during the long summer break when school meals are unavailable became undeniably evident. In December, Nebraska narrowly missed the opportunity to join other states in opting into the initiative before the deadline passed.
State Senator Jen Day from Omaha stepped in, advocating for the program’s importance. In January, she introduced legislation designed to require state involvement in the program, amplifying pressure on Governor Pillen to reconsider his stance. Following meetings with groups of young Nebraskans and rising public sentiment, he opted in by the revised deadline of February 15.
On Wednesday, officials from the Nebraska Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Education proudly announced that nearly .9 million had been allocated through the Summer EBT program, providing much-needed grocery assistance to qualifying families. Under this program, households with children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals received up to a month per child on their EBT cards, enabling them to purchase food throughout the summer.
Shannon Grotrian, the Director of HHS’s Office of Economic Assistance, emphasized the program’s success, stating that it made a “significant impact” in Nebraska’s communities. She remarked, “This program reflects our dedication to ensuring that every child has access to healthy meals, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.”
The participation was indeed greater than anticipated. Earlier projections had estimated about million would be distributed to approximately 80,000 households. Instead, officials were thrilled to report that the reach extended far beyond those figures, signifying a success that local organizations and government bodies alike celebrated.
What’s more, Nebraska’s proactive approach in implementing the program was characterized by what they termed the “Nebraska Way.” This initiative not only focused on food assistance but also aimed to connect families with essential services such as utility payments, healthcare, childcare assistance, and behavioral health resources. By taking this holistic approach, officials ensured that over 5,000 families received multiple forms of support. Moreover, more than 2,000 families were referred to the Summer Food Service Program, further increasing access to nutritional meals for children from low-income areas.
Comparatively, last year was bleak for hunger alleviation in the state, with a report from the Food Research and Action Center indicating a mere 2% of Nebraska children who qualified for free or reduced-price school lunches participated in that program. This summer, however, marked a resurgence, with 6,651 families receiving meals through the Summer Food Service Program, representing a 21% increase.
Senator Day celebrated the program’s success, stating, “I’m thrilled that Nebraska was able to utilize the Summer EBT program to reach so many families and to fill the bellies of our school students over the long summer. These programs are essential to relieve the stress of parents and ensure that our kids are ready to learn when they head back to school.”
The lessons learned from this summer’s experience are valuable for future considerations about food assistance programs and the importance of community-led initiatives, particularly in times of need. As Nebraska gears up to implement the Summer EBT program again next year, the state is poised for further growth in supporting families, signaling that the fight against food insecurity remains a top priority.
In a time when food security has become increasingly crucial, Nebraska’s quick pivot on the Summer EBT program serves as a compelling example of how public policies can dramatically impact the lives of everyday families. As we move forward, the hope is that these lessons ignite a continued commitment to support vulnerable communities—one meal at a time.
