LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Governor ignores opportunity to provide needed meals

To the Editor:

As a former single mother, I understand the struggle of affording groceries. Years ago, living in poverty with two children, the challenge to provide adequate meals sometimes sent me into a panic. We heavily relied on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called food stamps, as well as income-based school nutrition programs.

I find it troubling that Gov. Brian Kemp chose not to participate in the federal 2024 Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children to ensure low-income families can provide kids healthy meals. At least 35 other states have opted into the USDA’s “strategy for ending summer hunger,” which allocates an additional $40 per month per child in EBT benefits.

During FY 2020 in Georgia, more than 72% of SNAP participants were in families with children, with about 38% in working families, according to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. In that same pre-pandemic period, 42% of participants had household incomes at or below 50% of the poverty line.

With school-age kids at home, low-income parents may struggle, given the recent higher cost of groceries, to replace meals provided at school. Although some prices are gradually decreasing, others remain high, with many items in reduced-package sizes, at the same price.

My experience taught me that when it comes to children, you can’t have too much food. It’s disheartening that Georgia has overlooked such a crucial opportunity to support our children’s nutritional needs.

Pamela M. Covington

Ellenwood

Pamela Covington is a Community Change Communications Fellow.