MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama was one of 14 states that declined to participate in a federal program that gives summer food assistance to low-income families with school age children, prompting advocates on Wednesday to urge lawmakes to reverse course and join the program.
At a public hearing on the proposed education budget, several organizations urged legislators to set aside funding for Alabama to participate in 2025.
“Every child deserves the chance to grow learn and dream without the burden of hunger weighing them down,” Rhonda Mann, executive director of VOICES for Alabama’s Children told the Finance and Taxation-Education Committee.
The program called Summer EBT, or Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program, provides families $40 per month for each child receiving free and reduced-price school lunches. That would be about $120 to spend on groceries over the summer break. The program is intended to augment existing summer meal sites to help combat food insecurity in the summer months.
A great escape! Family poodle gets trapped underneath kitchen
From caves to lagoons and lost
Now THAT'S a room with a view: Inside the St Regis Abu Dhabi
Apple users are still discovering hidden new features inside iPhone's iOS17
Investigator says Trump, allies were part of Michigan election scheme despite not being charged
Inside the Cambodian hotel with rooms fit for top
Core blimey! Scientists discover how to squeeze even more nutrients from apples
Will the Bank of England cut interest rates soon? This is Money podcast
Is Roblox safe for kids? Father
Blackpool rocks! Inside the coastal town brimming with old
New Clemson coach Poppie adds former Alabama starting point guard McQueen to his program
Shed of the Year 2024: We speak to one entrant who created his dream British boozer 'The Dirty Dog'