Advocacy on Behalf of Children Works
09/06/2024: Despite opt-outs by GOP states, debut of kids’ summer food program seen as a success, by Shauneen Miranda with the Louisiana Illuminator, reports:
A U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative to feed hungry kids during the long summer months is mostly winding down, with advocates calling it a success despite some hiccups — and the federal government and many states are already working to bring the permanent program back in 2025.
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program — or Summer EBT — has popped up in 37 states, the District of Columbia and multiple territories and tribal nations this year. Advocates say that despite the program’s fair share of challenges, especially given its first year of implementation, the program emerged as an important resource in the fight against kids’ summer hunger.
Earlier …
Louisiana WILL Participate.: After first refusing to participate, Louisiana’s Governor Jeff Landry has reversed the state’s previous decision to reject Summer EBT for Children. Louisiana WILL participate in the program for needy children.
05/01/2024: Louisiana opts in to federal summer feeding program for children, by Johnette Magner, Louisiana Legislative Session | ktbs.com
Even Earlier …
With the USDA’s deadline for 2024 behind us, Louisiana officially rejected the Summer EBT food funds for hungry children. Louisiana’s child advocates have sought clear statements about the reason Louisiana refused to accept federal funds that would have helped feed nearly 600,000 Louisiana children.
Still, Louisiana’s decision to reject Summer EBT is not sitting well with some legislators. Stephanie Grace, staff columnist with The Advocate, describes how the Louisiana Legislature is taking a “fresh look” at the Governor’s decision to reject the federal funds for food for children: Stephanie Grace: Tide turning on summer food program.
Even after the deadline passed, advocates are keeping the issue alive through opinion pieces in Louisiana’s major newspapers. While some elected officials are considering legislation in advance of 2025 to require Louisiana’s participation, other officials report that Louisiana’s plan to feed children during the summer of 2024 will be more robust and effective without the Summer EBT funds.
Despite the confusion, it seems clear that all the parties are working to ensure Louisiana’s children do not go without nutrition. While Louisiana rejected Summer EBT, no one sought to harm Louisiana’s children. We in Louisiana are all trying hard to make good things happen, but we see the hunger created by child poverty and potential solutions from different perspectives.
02/01/2024, 2:26 pm: We have an answer regarding the question, Will Louisiana Refuse Food for Hungry Children?
01/18/2024: Read our open letter: Will Louisiana Refuse Food for Hungry Children?
Information from other sources
05/06/2023: Randy Ewing: Here’s why the summer EBT program matters to Louisiana | Letters | theadvocate.com
05/05/2024: Editorial: With summer EBT deal, state shows united front to feed kids, Staff Editoria, NOLA.com
05/03/2024: New Orleans creates $1M plan to feed kids this summer, Joni Hess, NOLA.com
04/29/2024: Lawmakers push Landry administration to join children’s summer food program, Julie O’Donoghue, Louisiana Illuminator
04/26/2024: La. lawmakers aim for solution to Summer EBT Program’s cancellation statewide, Colin Vedros, KALB.com
04/13/2024: Stephanie Grace: Tide turning on summer food program | Opinion | theadvocate.com
04/11/2024: Summer food program for poor children likely to get funding | Local Politics | nola.com
03/22/2024: While Jeff Landry refuses to feed children, this New Orleans restaurant is stepping up, Emily Topping, GulfLive.com
03/13/2024: Letters: Food aid could help Louisiana children thrive, Patty Kissinger, Letters to the Editor, nola.com
03/12/2024: New Orleans Superintendent Avis Williams: Louisiana missed an opportunity to feed our children | Opinions and Editorials | NOLA.com
02/28/2024: GOP governors face pressure campaign to feed kids in the summer: Louisiana and South Carolina are among the states where advocates are pushing hard to change their governor’s mind. – POLITICO
02/24/2024: Governor Landry’s refusal of federal food aid is a misguided display of conservative principles, Prentiss Smith, Opinion, Shreveport Times
02/19/2024: Louisiana would be forced to participate in Summer EBT program under proposed law
02/17/2024: What it would have cost Louisiana to provide summer food benefits for poor children, Greg LaRose, Louisiana Illuminator
02/15/2024: LA Gov. Jeff Landry rejects EBT money for feeding poor kids, Gambit Commentary, NOLA.com
02/15/2024: Gov. Landry explains why Louisiana will not participate in the Summer EBT Program, Chris Rosato, WAFB.com
01/18/2024: Louisiana undecided on federal program to feed kids during summer, KPLCTV.com
01/12/2024: A new program could feed hungry kids over the summer. Will Louisiana join?, Health care/Hospitals | NOLA.com
01/12/2024: La. Dept. of Education declined summer food assistance for children, ktbs.com
01/10/2024: These 15 GOP-led states are rejecting summer food aid for children, The Hill
01/10/2024: Louisiana won’t receive summer meal assistance for children, Louisiana Illuminator
01/10/2024: Louisiana DCFS ‘will formalize’ participation in USDA Summer EBT program for kids later