Delay in Summer EBT program leaves gap in food access for children, here’s how you can help

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Even though the federal government allocated $2.5 billion of your tax money for a new Summer EBT program to feed children in need, it’s going to take several more weeks before Kansas and Missouri see any of that money. This service is known as Sun Bucks.

Because a new federal summer food assistance program desperately needed across Kansas and Missouri has yet to get started, there’s a gap right now for families to access food to keep their children fed over the summer. Now charities and food pantries need your help.

Jonas Rivera answered “no” when asked if he had breakfast this morning. He and his two brothers don’t eat anything somedays until they get to the Shawnee Mission School District. Each Summer the district holds the Free Summer Lunch Brunch, which families like the Rivera’s rely on during the week.

“At home we can’t get that much food, so we mostly just come here,” Rivera said. “Because in the morning we can’t get that much breakfast.”

Jonas and his family aren’t alone. According to Feeding America more than 131,000 children in Kansas face food insecurity. Along with almost 255,000 children in Missouri. The New Summer EBT Program known as Sun Bucks could lower that. Offering parents $120 per-child this Summer to spend on groceries.

“Definitely that will make a big difference, so I’m looking forward to applying for the program,” Max Du, a father in the Shawnee Mission School District, told KCTV. “Since it will help much more because I could feed them the whole week. I should be able to.”

To qualify for Sun Bucks, families must have children between seven to 17 years old. Receive TANF, SNAP or other Foster Care Benefits. You’re also eligible if your kids are on free or discounted lunches during the school year. The problem is that the program won’t arrive in Kansas until mid to late July. The wait for Missouri will be until Summer is pretty much over.

“Getting a new program of that magnitude up and running is always challenging,” Sarah Biles with Harvester explained. “There’s thousands of children across both states that would qualify for that.”

For now, food banks are left to try and close the gap in food access. Harvester called this Summer the busiest one in years. In all the counties they serve in Missouri and Kansas, they found 1 in 6 children face food insecurity. So, donations are needed more this time of year. To make a donation to Harvester, click here. Other resources for food assistance can be found at kansasfoodsource.org. On the Missouri side, food banks can be located by going to feedingmissouri.org.

“For every meal we can provide at the cost to provide it, SNAP Can provide nine,” Biles added. “So, if Summer EBT was kicking in that would save a lot of burden on food banks.”

In the meantime, before Sun Bucks kicks in you can still go to the USDA’s website and search through other programs that are happening in your neighborhood providing free meals over the Summer.

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