Summer Electronic BenefitsTransfer Program
The bill designates the Colorado Department of Human Services as the lead agency for administering the summer EBT program in partnership with the Department of Education. Through this program, it is anticipated that over three hundred thousand Colorado students will gain access to summer food benefits, totaling between thirty to thirty-five million dollars in federal funding. The initiative is also designed to set eligibility criteria, conduct outreach, and establish rules to manage benefits effectively, in accordance with federal regulations.
Senate Bill 23B-002, also known as the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program, establishes a new state program aimed at supporting low-income students by providing food benefits during the summer months when school is not in session. The initiative aims to reduce childhood hunger and ensure that students can return to school ready to learn in the fall. By aligning with federal law, this program will allow eligible students to receive federally funded benefits through electronic cards that can be used for food purchases.
The sentiment surrounding SB 23B-002 is largely positive, with strong bipartisan support due to its focus on addressing childhood food insecurity. Proponents highlight the necessity of ensuring that low-income students have adequate nutrition during the summer months, which is often identified as a critical period for children at risk of food shortages. This program is viewed as an essential step toward improving health outcomes and academic readiness for vulnerable populations.
While the bill has garnered overall support, some concerns have been raised regarding the logistical challenges of implementation, including the need for effective outreach to ensure eligible families are aware of the program. Additionally, discussions revolve around ensuring that the data collected from participating families remains confidential and protected under state and federal laws. However, these issues do not appear to significantly hinder the bill's progress, as the administration aims to address these operational details collaboratively.