S.1918: Hunger-Free Summer for Kids Act of 2019
Overview
The Hunger-Free Summer for Kids Act (S.1918) would authorize the USDA to create two policy alternatives through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) that would make it easier for meals and snacks to reach more kids in rural and other underserved areas. The first policy alternative would give states the option to provide Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to eligible families. These ETB cards would be allowed to purchase food items from any SNAP approved retailers and hold up to $30 per summer month per child, with a maximum of $100 per child per year. The second policy alternative would give states the option to allow off-site consumption of summer meals.
Talking Points
- In America, one out of six children live in households suffering from food insecurity. Studies show that children who have inconsistent access to healthy food are hindered in their ability to learn, grow, and thrive.
- Though food insecurity is partially alleviated for many children through the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs, during the summer months only 17 percent of children who receive free or reduced-price lunch at their school qualify for summer nutritional assistance.
- By expanding the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer to more families, this bill would make great strides in closing the summer hunger gap and improving the health and wellbeing of children around the country.