LINCOLN, Neb. (KSNB) – Governor Jim Pillen started the morning conference with one of his slogans ‘Our children are our future.’ Nebraska will now be apart of the USDA’s Summer EBT program.

Pillen said we have to protect our kids, train our kids, and do everything to keep them in Nebraska, and being apart of the Summer EBT program means the state will receive $18 million that will go on pre-loaded EBT cards. It’s estimated that 150,000 kids will get an additional $40 per month.

In December, Governor Pillen stated Nebraska won’t be enrolling in Summer EBT. But after a recent tour through the state he seen hunger and mental health was at the top of student’s list of need. Some mentioned having access to food during the summer is an issue. That led to the governor comprising a plan to address those needs. He reflected back on the pandemic saying kids lost their ‘touch points’ during that time period.

“We’re excited about program like the governor said because we’re going to implement it the Nebraska way,” said Dr. Steve Corsi, CEO at DHHS. “We won’t be just transferring additional money. We’re setting up the program to ensure kids are safe in the summer and families have the resources they need and that is going to done through touch points.”

Corsi said touch points are broken down into four steps, and Director of Economic Assistance, Shannon Grotrain will oversee the program. She has been with DHHS for over 20 years and was the overseer of Pandemic EBT.

“Number one a thorough outreach education component will be created regarding the nutritious foods parents can buy for their children with these funds,” said Corsi. “Number two we’ve already begun the development of a website with information about the program, how to apply, where to shop and nutritional information.”

Corsi said the website will also a connection to other summer programs to ensure families receives the resource they need. When EBT cards are issued out DHHS will reach out to asset needs and determine if more resources are necessary, and finally, text messaging will be utilized to inform families about the website and available programs in your area. Grand Island Senator, Ray Aguilar said the impact will be felt the most in greater Nebraska.

“DHHS estimates that 150,000 students or 80,000 households will be eligible for receiving S-EBT benefits,” Aguilar said. “That is important when you consider that rural kids don’t have the network of support that are available to some other area of the state… We’re excited to have crafted a Nebraska solution that allows us to tap into federal funding and also goes beyond that; to provide contact with families receiving benefits, and ensure that kids are being cared for properly.”

Governor Pillen said the Department of Education will play a key role in this program.

“This initiative is a great way to meet the needs of kids who experience food insecurity as well as providing a means to ensure that they’re cared for properly during the summer months,” said Dr. Brian Maher, Nebraska Commissioner of Education. “Because I’m sure all of you know, the needs of the kids in Nebraska don’t end when the school bell rings.”

Maher said although they’re still figuring out details of this program, it’s good to have another opportunity to provide for students.

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