Gov. Pillen reverses course on summer food program for kids

NEBRASKA -- In a reversal in course, Gov. Jim Pillen announced Monday that Nebraska will be accepting federal funds for the USDA's expanded summer EBT program. 

This means the state will accept $18 million that will go out on pre-loaded EBT cards to families whose kids are eligible for free and reduced-price lunches at school.

Pillen estimated about 150,000 kids will be eligible. 

They'll get an additional $40 a month. 

This came after Pillen rejected the program in December. 

"I believe in doing what's right no matter what the circumstances are," Pillen said. "And so, it's be an evolution of information coming from people behind me to when Sen. Aguilar and I talked. And then, you know, obviously the engagement with kids. When you sit down with kids that are living it, I've learned life lessons from the students that I talked to; and I learned that we have to do better for them. Pure and simple. That put the wheels in real strong motion for us to come up with a plan in the last week."

Nebraska's interim DHHS Director said Nebraskans will have to apply for the program once Nebraska is fully enrolled. 

The state will also be providing education about nutritious options parents can buy using these funds, and will be reaching out to try and connect families with additional resources.