Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has announced her intention to seek a waiver to opt out of a federal program aimed at providing grocery money to low-income children during the summer. Instead, Iowa plans to use the funds to offer boxes of food that can be picked up at various organizations across the state. This decision follows criticism directed at Reynolds for not participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer EBT program this year, which could have provided approximately $29 million to Iowa families in the form of electronic benefits transfer cards.

In place of the Summer EBT program, Reynolds directed the establishment of a separate competitive grant initiative that allocated $900,000 to local groups responsible for providing summer meals to children. As a result, the state was able to add 61 new meal sites, bringing the total number of sites offering summer meals in Iowa to over 500.

If Iowa's waiver request is approved for next summer, the state can potentially receive the full amount of federal funds that would have been allocated to the Summer EBT program. This funding would be redirected towards providing monthly boxes of food for eligible children at designated pickup locations, such as food banks, nonprofits, churches, and community centers. Additionally, the state plans to offer delivery options for families with transportation challenges.

Reynolds emphasized that the proposed summer feeding demonstration project, in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Human Services and the Department of Education, is tailored to meet the specific needs and capabilities of Iowa. The state's plan aims to feed nearly 60,000 more children, while promoting healthier options and utilizing existing infrastructure, all at a lower cost compared to the SUN Bucks cash benefit provided through the Summer EBT program.

To expand eligibility for summer meal sites, Iowa intends to raise the threshold to 200% of the federal poverty level, which equates to approximately $62,000 for a family of four. This adjustment would potentially make 300,000 food-insecure children eligible for assistance through the program.

Under the Summer EBT program, the families of around 245,000 Iowa children would have received pre-loaded EBT cards worth $40 per month for each eligible child. Instead, Iowa's proposal seeks to leverage bulk purchasing power to obtain food at wholesale rates, offering families a more affordable alternative to grocery stores.

Some stakeholders, such as Luke Elzinga, chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition, express support for Reynolds' decision to pursue federal funds and acknowledge the high levels of food insecurity within the state. However, others, like Michelle Book, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Iowa, have expressed surprise and uncertainty regarding the proposed alternative approach. It remains unclear whether Iowa's waiver request aligns with the existing authority of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to grant such waivers.

Kelly Garcia, director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, defended Iowa's proposal in a letter addressed to U.S. Department of Agriculture officials. Garcia argued that the state's request adheres to the program's objective of addressing summer food insecurity while offering states the flexibility to design solutions that align with their specific circumstances.

Reynolds justified her decision to forego the Summer EBT program for 2024 by emphasizing the need to tackle childhood obesity. She argued that providing EBT cards does not promote nutrition as effectively as alternative approaches. However, this perspective drew criticism from anti-hunger groups, who believe direct grocery benefits are the most suitable option for Iowa.

Efforts from anti-hunger organizations and Democratic elected officials have consistently urged Reynolds to participate in the Summer EBT program for next year. To amplify their message, a petition with over 3,500 signatures was recently delivered to the governor's office. As food insecurity continues to be a pressing issue in Iowa, these groups stress the importance of ensuring no child goes hungry.

While the potential approval of Iowa's waiver request and the subsequent implementation of the proposed program are uncertain, stakeholders spanning various arenas remain hopeful for a solution that effectively addresses food insecurity, promotes nutrition, and supports families in need.