Wyoming committee supports Summer EBT to combat child food insecurity

The House Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee convened on February 6, 2025, to discuss several key issues, with a significant focus on the proposed Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program aimed at addressing food insecurity among children during the summer months.

The meeting began with public testimony from Jackie Simmons, who expressed strong support for SF 341. She highlighted the challenges families face when school meals are unavailable during the summer, particularly for those with limited financial resources. Simmons emphasized that the Summer EBT program has proven effective in reducing hunger and improving children's diets in other states. She noted that families with access to Summer EBT are more likely to purchase fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are essential for children's health. Simmons also pointed out the economic benefits of the program, as it would inject federal funds into local economies, benefiting grocery stores and farmers' markets in Wyoming.

Following Simmons, Travis McNevin from the Northern Aptahoe Business Council reiterated the importance of the Summer EBT program, particularly for families in Fremont County who struggle with food insecurity during the summer months. He expressed support for the bill and suggested that interim discussions could help facilitate its advancement.

After public testimony concluded, the committee moved to discuss the bill further. Vice Chairman Tarver proposed an amendment to the bill, which included stipulations that benefits could only be used to purchase food produced in Wyoming and could not be used for soft drinks. The amendment also included provisions for the program's termination if federal funding levels were reduced or if state funds were required to support the program.

Committee members engaged in a discussion regarding the feasibility of enforcing the proposed restrictions on food purchases. Concerns were raised about how to effectively regulate the use of benefits for specific food items, with suggestions that barcode technology could be utilized to monitor purchases.

The committee ultimately decided to continue reviewing the bill and its proposed amendments, ensuring that all aspects were thoroughly examined before moving forward. The meeting concluded with a commitment to address the outlined concerns and to explore the implications of the proposed Summer EBT program for families in Wyoming.