DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa is reversing course on summer food assistance, opting back into the Summer EBT program after replacing it with state-run alternatives. Iowa families and food banks are celebrating the governor’s decision to opt back into the federal program.
Summer EBT is a federal program, also known as SUN Bucks, that allows low-income families to use $40 per child, per month to purchase food when students are on summer break. The money is loaded onto a debit-style card that families can use at grocery stores.
Iowa did not participate in the Summer EBT program in 2024 and 2025. Governor Kim Reynolds cited concerns on the program’s nutrition standards because families could have used the money to buy candy or soda…