Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen announced Monday that the state will be reversing its previous rejection and opting into the federal summer EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) program, a move aimed at providing crucial assistance to students on free or reduced meal programs during summer months.

The federal program, which issues a $120 EBT card to eligible students for grocery purchases over the summer break, is expected to ensure access to meals for approximately 150,000 children in Nebraska. Additionally, the program is projected to bring in $18 million in economic benefits for the state, according to Nebraska Appleseed, a nonprofit organization advocating for justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans.

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