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.
Arizona lands Oakland star forward Trey Townsend out of transfer portal
TAIC adds rail worker safety to watchlist after near death incident on Wellington train line
Parliament repeals Fair Pay Agreements
'An authentic, genuine, warm man': Flood of tributes for Fa'anānā Efeso Collins
Edmunds: What you need to know about wrapping your car
Finance Minister Nicola Willis attending Waitangi commemorations, Iwi Chairs Forum
Chinese satellite launch sparks 'missile' fears in Taiwan
COP28 deal 'significant step forward', Climate Change Minister says
Is this the latest Nessie sighting? Hunter spots '18ft
Kamala Harris blames Trump for abortion ban in Arizona
Macron takes part in charity soccer game, showing off sporting prowess
Waitangi 2024: Watch government leaders speak at the Treaty Grounds