South Carolina declines federal summer EBT program aimed at aiding low-income families

 (WCIV) — South Carolina has turned down a new federal EBT program that would provide additional help to low-income families while school is out of session.

Some lawmakers pushed to include it in the recently House-approved state budget. While they were unsuccessful, there’s still the possibility of the State Senate adding it before the budget reaches the governor’s desk.

“Where we spend our money, tells us where our priorities are. If we’re unwilling to feed needy and hungry children during the summer, then what does that say about us?” Rep. Marvin Pendarvis said.

At least 36 states have opted in for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new 2024 Summer EBT program. It would provide lower-income families with $40 per eligible student each month to buy groceries.

But South Carolina isn’t one of those states.

Governor Henry McMaster has defended the state’s decision by saying the program was part of the Covid-era assistance and the state needs to move on.