Montana lawmakers on a budget subcommittee recently voted to eliminate the Summer EBT program, also known as SUN Bucks, which provided grocery cards to around 46,000 households in the state. The federally funded program aimed to support families during the summer months by providing $120 grocery cards per eligible child.
The decision to cut funding for the program came as a surprise to child nutrition advocates, who highlighted the importance of the benefit for lower-income families. Critics argued that the program duplicated existing summer food initiatives for K-12 students, while proponents emphasized its value in providing families with the ability to purchase essential items like meat and berries.
Despite the elimination of state funding, federal support for Summer EBT benefits will continue in 2025, ensuring that families in need still have access to the program. Organizations like the Montana Food Bank Network are focused on outreach efforts to help families understand and utilize the benefit.
Lawmakers like Rep. Mary Caferro have expressed determination to revisit the funding question and advocate for the continuation of the program beyond this year. They believe that investing in programs like Summer EBT is essential for addressing child hunger and supporting healthier diets for children in the state.
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