08-05-2025
Gov. Reynolds announces ‘Healthy Kids Iowa' summer program
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced the launch a new project that will act as an alternative to the federal government's Summer EBT program.
According to a press release Wednesday, Reynolds' office announced that that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service approved the 'Healthy Kids Iowa' program.
The summer initiative will provide families to select $40 dollars worth of fresh food per child each month at their local participating pantry. Those foods include fruits, vegetables, dairy items, whole grains, and proteins.
Reynolds opted out of the federal Summer EBT program which provides low-income families with EBT cards worth $120 per child to buy groceries over the summer.
In response to the USDA for approving the summer plan, Reynolds said in part, that she is glad the USDA is placing its trust into the state of Iowa. Read the full statement below.
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'Our goal has always been to ensure all Iowa children have access to nutritious, balanced and wholesome food, while promoting healthy eating habits. I'm grateful to the USDA and Secretary Rollins for partnering with the State of Iowa and placing their trust in our statewide network of meal providers. Together we're building on the strong foundation already in place to better meet the unique needs of Iowa's children and families.'
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds
The release said that Iowa received over $12 million in USDA meal reimbursements for summer programs in 2023-2024. Meanwhile, Reynolds also invested an additional $900,000, which resulted in 61 new meal sites in 2024.
Under the Healthy Kids Iowa Pilot Program:
Households must meet the federal poverty level of 185% or below AND have children ages 4-18 in their care.
Households will be allowed to choose from a selection of nutritionally balanced foods each month at their local participating pantry.
Foods will include fruits, vegetables, dairy items, whole grains and proteins.
The Healthy Kids Iowa pilot program will run during June, July, and August 2025. More information can be found here.
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