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'Let the children eat first': State Democrats Respond to SC opting out of Summer EBT

There are several other programs offered in South Carolina for parents and students to receive meals this summer.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — State lawmakers spoke out against Governor McMaster’s decision to opt out of the federal Summer EBT program. News 19 contacted state agencies about other resources to turn to this summer.

“Let the children eat first, it is wrong to take bread from the mouth of a child and send it to the dogs.”

South Carolina House and Senate Democrats gathered on Tuesday to respond to Governor McMaster’s decision to opt out of the USDA’s Summer EBT program. The group of lawmakers said there is a bill that will be introduced looking to help existing food supplement programs in the state.

“We actually have a bill authored by a republican senator, Katrina Shealy, that would expand the feeding program to all kids in South Carolina so we are already looking at other avenues statewide,” Sen. Fanning said.

While Summer EBT won’t be available this summer, students and parents can seek assistance from the USDA and the Department of Education.

“One is the Summer Break Café. Now, this is a program where nonprofit organizations can get involved. They can become sponsors. They work on selecting sites in certain areas, kind of reach kids who are maybe looking for meals,” Jason Raven with the South Carolina Department of Education said.

The other program is the seamless summer option, where lunchrooms in school districts across the state operate as they do during the school year. This program allows students to receive two meals a day.

“Summer 2023 about 3.2 million meals were served to students of South Carolina through summer break café and seamless summer option programs,” Raven said.

The Department of Education website said where students can find resources near them. The department held an information session on Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. for volunteers and potential sponsors to learn more about the program. To get involved, head to the Summer Break Café website.

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