In the heart of Omaha, a determined and passionate old-school politician named Ernie Chambers has taken it upon himself to address a heart-wrenching issue: the 150,000 Nebraska children who will go without food this summer. With unwavering dedication, he personally delivered a heartfelt letter and a hand-drawn portrait of Governor Jim Pillen, in a symbolic gesture of goodwill.
Within the letter, Chambers urged Pillen to embrace the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children, a federal initiative aimed at providing $18 million in food aid to low-income families with children who rely on free or reduced-price meals during the school year. Despite the benefits not beginning until summer 2024, states must express their interest by January 1.
However, the Pillen administration has staunchly refused to support the program, turning a blind eye to the pleas of state senators, community leaders, and concerned Nebraskans. Individuals like Eric Savaiano of Nebraska Appleseed have rallied with over 6,000 signatures on a petition calling for a change of heart, while retired mental health therapist Paul Feilmann orchestrates a daily vigil outside the governor’s residence to shed light on the pressing issue. And they are not alone in their fight –even the Nebraska State Education Association President, Jenni Benson, is standing in solidarity with those who believe that Nebraska’s children deserve better.
Despite the mounting pressure, Governor Pillen remains steadfast in his stance, asserting that the notion of providing summertime food aid to schoolchildren is a thing of the past. He firmly stands by the older federal program called the Summer Food Service Program, which offers free meals and snacks to children and teens in low-income communities. Furthermore, he adamantly defends his position, stating that he does not believe in welfare.
Yet, community advocate Preston Love Jr. fervently argues that the current system is far from sufficient. The existing food program only reaches a limited number of Nebraska children, ranking last in the country for its participation level. Oftentimes, children have to trek to specific sites to access meals, and these sites are scarce, particularly in rural areas of the state.
In stark contrast, the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children would provide families with $40 per child per month on an EBT card to be used for groceries. This financial aid aims to fill the void left by the absence of school lunches during the summer months. According to Nebraska Appleseed, the state’s administrative costs for this program would only amount to around $300,000 – a small price to pay for ensuring that thousands of hungry children have sustenance.
In the face of Governor Pillen’s unyielding stance, a chorus of voices rises in unity. Community leaders, retired therapists, educators, and senators all concur that change is imperative. Children should not endure the consequences of political decisions. It is time for Nebraska to do right by its children and guarantee that they do not go hungry this summer.
