Democratic lawmaker asks DeSantis to pursue federal funding for food program
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., implored Gov. Ron DeSantis to reconsider authorizing a government EBT program designed to help feed 2 million children in need of a food this summer.
“We urge Governor DeSantis to reverse course and pursue the $248M allocated for the Summer EBT program to help feed two million Florida Kids,” Soto said. “It’s time to put #PeopleOverPolitics and ensure no child goes hungry in Florida.”
Administered by the U.S Department Agricultural, the package would free $248 million in assistance to children who might otherwise go hungry on summer break. The aid is also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly food stamps.
Approved by Congress in December, the support would provide healthy meals for kids who received cost efficient or free lunches during the school year.
However, funding for the program is not needed, according to the state. A deadline to opt-in to the program is set for Jan. 1, 2024.
“We anticipate that our state’s full approach to serving children will continue to be successful this year without any additional federal programs that inherently always come with some federal strings attached,” Florida Department of Children and Families spokeswoman Mallory McManus said to the Orlando Sentinel.
No Kid Hungry, a program dedicated to ending child hunger, called the decision “incredibly disappointing.”
“Not only does this hurt nearly 2 million children in our state, but it also disregards the economic boost this would have provided many hardworking families,” Director Sky Beard said.
Beard also mentioned 75% of Floridians found it harder to buy food this year than last, calling the summer months the “hungriest time of the year” when kids lose access to consistent and nutritious food given by schools.
To participate, Florida is subjected to paying $12 million per year, or 50% of administrative costs, according to Beard. She also noted the state did not allocate any money for the expense through its budget.
Florida’s Voice has reached out to the governor’s office for comment
