Governor Reynolds Announces Summer Food Program

Governor Kim Reynolds has announced a new summer food program for Iowa families. Called “Healthy Kids Iowa,” the initiative is designed to help children stay nourished during the school break by offering fresh, healthy food through local pantries.

The governor’s office says the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the “Healthy Kids Iowa” pilot program, which will run from June through August this year. It’s an Iowa-based alternative to the federal Summer EBT program.

Eligible families—those with children between the ages of 4 and 18 and incomes at or below 185% of the federal poverty level—can receive $40 worth of nutritious food per child each month. The food will be available at local participating pantries and will include items like fruits, vegetables, dairy, whole grains, and protein.

Officials say the goal is to make sure Iowa kids continue to have access to healthy meals even when school is out.