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Saturday, March 15, 2025

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Second federal judge orders temporary reinstatement of thousands of probationary employees fired by the Trump administration; U.S., Canada political tension could affect Maine summer tourism; Report: Incarceration rates rise in MS, U.S. despite efforts at reform; MI study: HBCU students show better mental health, despite challenges.

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Trump administration faces legal battles on birthright citizenship; the arrest of a Palestinian activist sparks protests over free speech. Conservationists voice concerns about federal job cuts impacting public lands, and Ohio invests in child wellness initiatives.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

$450 million available to feed Texas kids this summer

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Wednesday, February 5, 2025   

The final deadline is approaching for members of the Texas Legislature to decide on participating in the Summer EBT program, which provides grocery benefits to low-income families with students.

The state did not participate in the program last summer.

Clarissa Clark, government relations officer for the North Texas Food Bank, said if lawmakers do not meet the March 1 deadline, they are essentially leaving federal dollars on the table.

"It's $450 million in federal taxpayer money that comes back to the state," Clark pointed out. "It helps with those who are food insecure, and it also puts money back into our economy, so there's a lot of wins to it."

To qualify for Summer EBT, families must meet the income requirements for the National School Lunch Program or be certified for school meals through SNAP or Medicaid.

The North Texas Food Bank is one of 80 organizations in the Texas Food Policy Roundtable calling for the program's implementation. The food bank could receive up to $60 million in benefits and help nearly 500,000 children in 12 north Texas counties.

Clark noted child hunger increases during the summer because students do not have access to school meals.

"The initiative provides low-income families with school-aged children, with $120 in food benefits on a debit card," Clark explained. "They can use that to buy food. If they don't get the summer meals, demand at our partner pantries goes up."

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission needs direction from the legislature to move forward with the program for Summer 2025.


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