Millions of American children are going without extra food this summer, after 13 states declined to participate in a federal program that helps families in need buy groceries.

Thirty-seven states, four U.S. territories and five Native American tribes are benefitting from the program, according to the Department of Agriculture. Qualifying families with children who rely on school meals to get enough to eat are getting an extra $120 per child this summer to help feed their kids.

The states that declined to participate in the program cited reasons such as problems with aging state computer systems, philosophical opposition to welfare programs, and a belief that existing free meal programs are sufficient. All 13 are led by Republican governors.

An estimated 2 million Florida children could have benefited from more than $258 million in aid this summer if state officials hadn’t turned it down. Nationwide, roughly 21 million kids are being fed by the program this year.

  • Optional@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    It’s true, and we’ll throw it on the pile but know this: republiQan voters - including the ones affected by this - do not care. They are in a cult.

    It’s a cult with guns and Jesus and the flag and there’s a lot of praying and pledging and all the attendant symbolism of duty and honor without either of those things. These motherfuckers are in there deep and the only way out is for them to acknowledge that.

    So when we see the corporate news doing absolutely sweet fuck all to help them do that - well, you know what we’re gonna get.