Food Security is Health

As the weather is finally warming up, many of us across the state are turning our attention to planting season and dreaming of summer’s bounty. It won’t be long until gardens are full of strawberries, tomatoes, and zucchini.

Two opportunities working their way through Montana’s legislature have the chance to make sure all Montana kids have an opportunity to enjoy nutritious meals year-round. With one in six Montana children facing food insecurity, these measures are steps forward in helping building a world of longer, healthier lives.

Summer EBT – HB 2

Thousands of Montana kids benefit from the free- and reduced-price school meal program. But when school is out for the summer, many families struggle with higher food costs. Summer EBT helps alleviate some of the pressure low-income families face by providing $120 in grocery benefits per qualifying child during the summer.

For the first time, Montana’s legislature is providing funding for Summer EBT in the state budget. This $600,000 biennial investment brings in nearly $20 million in federal funding for the state. Lawmakers removed the program during initial budget hearings, but advocates called for it to be reinstated in the budget. While the budget is working its way through the final steps of the legislative process, the AHA is keeping a close eye on making sure Summer EBT remains in.

Eliminating co-payments for reduced price school meals – HB 551

HB 551 would provide state funding to eliminate the co-payment required on reduced price school meals. This would reduce the barriers families face in receiving free school meals and allow kids to more easily access nutritious school meals.

Students who eat school meals have a higher intake of fruit, vegetables, and milk and lower intakes of snacks and desserts.  For some students, the reduced-price lunch copay is a barrier, and removing it will help improve kids access to nutrition. This bill passed through the House, and is currently working it’s way through the Senate.

If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out to Jackie Semmens at [email protected].