Lower-income families with school-age kids can get help from the federal government paying for groceries this summer, unless they live in one of the 14 states that have said no to joining the program this year.
The reasons for the rejections, all from states with Republican governors, include philosophical objections to welfare programs, technical challenges due to aging computer systems and satisfaction with other summer nutrition programs reaching far fewer children.
The impact falls on people like Otibehia Allen, a single mom of five in Clarksdale, Mississippi, who makes too much to qualify for some public assistance programs. She could have received $480 in aid over three months this summer if her state participated.
Rejecting Federal Money
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is joined by other state senators Feb. 12 at the Capitol in Lincoln, Neb., as he announces that the state has reversed course and will participate in the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program.
“It would have helped us a whole lot, especially with the boys,” Allen said. “They’re growing children. They eat a lot.”