Special legislative session & summer meals for Colorado’s children
November 14, 2023
With Gov. Jared Polis’ call for a special legislative session from November 17 - 19, state lawmakers will tackle another urgent issue besides property taxes – ensuring Colorado children, especially those in rural communities, can access adequate, nourishing foods during summer break in 2024.
States can opt to begin offering the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program (Summer EBT) this coming summer. Families with school-aged children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals could receive $40/month per child during the summer months. With funds placed on EBT cards, families can purchase groceries at stores accepting SNAP benefits. These benefits, which equate to about $1.33/day per child, would be in addition to summer meal sites that offer breakfasts, lunches, and snacks, so more children have enough healthy food to fuel their minds and bodies over the summer.
To start this by next summer, state lawmakers must act quickly to pass the Summer EBT Nutrition bill so the Colorado Department of Human Services can establish its plan and meet federal deadlines in early 2024. Colorado could receive up to $35 million in funding to support more than 300,000 children across the state who live in households with tight budgets due to low wages, higher costs of living, and other life storms.
You can help reduce hunger for Colorado children and set up kids for success in and out of the classroom!
Here’s how to take action this week:
Have your organization sign on in support of the Summer EBT Nutrition Bill by Thursday, November 16.
Urge your state lawmakers to pass this bill through one of our partner’s online action alerts — Hunger Free Colorado or Save the Children Action Network.
Advocate directly with your state legislators using our talking points and script.
If you have any questions or want more advocacy support, please contact Greta Allen, the Blueprint’s Policy Director.