Governor Ron DeSantis opted out the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT, or “Sun Bucks”) summer grocery benefit program for the second consecutive year. The “Sun Bucks” program provided parents of school-aged children the assistance they need to buy groceries during the summer, when school-provided and reduced-cost meals are less available.
Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) and Florida Congressional Democrats sounded off in a press release about the governor’s decision to refuse the summer grocery benefit program for the second consecutive year.
“It is sad and alarming that, for the second consecutive year, Florida has once again declined to participate in the federal Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program—a vital resource that helps fight hunger among low-income children and teens. Summer EBT provides families with a prepaid card to purchase food during the summer months when school is out and children are no longer receiving free or reduced-price meals,” said Frost and the Members.
“Governor DeSantis and the Republican led Florida Legislature once again failed to prioritize the well-being of our children and families. Our state has the resources, the infrastructure, and the capacity to do better—and yet, we continue to fall short when it matters most. Florida’s families deserve better,” Frost added.
Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14) said, “This is mean and irresponsible. For many working-class families, the only nutritious meal a child receives is at school. Unfortunately, when school is out during the summer, children across Florida frequently lack access to healthy meals. The overwhelmingly successful Summer EBT initiative — which provides grocery-buying benefits to families with school-aged children — has helped to fill this gap and reduce child hunger.”
Castor adds, “Just last year, 47 percent of Florida parents reported difficulties keeping food on the table for their families — a startling reality that has pushed too many families to skip meals or go an entire day without eating. However, instead of confronting this growing crisis, Governor DeSantis will deprive Florida children of nutritious meals. It’s cruel and unnecessary.”
