Texas is passing up nearly $350 million in federal aid to help feed millions of low-income children during the summer months after a state agency said it lacked the time and resources to implement the program this year.
Summer EBT, a new U.S. Department of Agriculture program approved by Congress in 2022, will provide families in participating states with funds to buy groceries to fill the void when their children are not receiving meals at school. The benefits — $40 per eligible child per month — will be dispensed via “electronic benefit transfer” cards, similar to a prepaid debit card, for three months.
The majority of states, as well as several territories and tribal nations, have signed onto the program. Texas is among a minority of 16 states not participating.
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USDA spokesperson Allan Rodriguez pushed back on Texas health officials’ reasoning, saying the agency provided an “unprecedented level of guidance and support” to states in the months leading up to the rollout.
“The fact that 44 states, territories and tribes are moving forward in the program’s inaugural year shows that states have had the information they needed,” Rodriguez said. “Those that do not launch the program this summer will have future opportunities to opt-in, and we will keep working with every state and tribe to set them up for success in doing so.”
Texas never stops breaking my lone star heart.
You ain’t kidding.
I couldn’t take it anymore and fled a couple years ago to go live with the yankees. Pop a Saint Arnold’s for me.
Damn I miss good Tex-Mex.
A buddy of mine moved away a few years ago. He said he misses Tex Mex and kolaches most.
I’ll drink one in your honor next month. We’re headed there for some event. I’ll be at Karbach this weekend and will pop one in your honor there too.
For me it’s Shiner. It’s around in Washington but not exactly common, and their seasonal brews just aren’t a thing.