A proposal to secure federal funding for a summer food assistance program for school-aged children in Wyoming took a step forward with the passage of House Bill 341, Casper Star-Tribune reports.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Lloyd Larsen, R-Lander, cleared the House Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee unanimously on Friday after an amendment was adopted.
The bill would allow Wyoming to apply for federal funds to implement a Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program in 2026. Families participating in the program would receive $40 per child per month to assist with food purchases.
Rep. Reuben Tarver, R-Gillette, introduced an amendment to prohibit the funds from being used to buy soft drinks. This comes in addition to existing federal restrictions that already prevent purchases of hot food and non-edible products under EBT guidelines.
Tarver initially proposed stricter limitations, suggesting that benefits be used exclusively for Wyoming-produced food to promote healthier eating and support local agriculture. However, concerns over the practicality and enforcement of this provision led to its rejection by the committee.
“We continue to pour different food into our children that has adverse effects and costs taxpayers,” Tarver said.
Despite his concerns, the Wyoming-only restriction failed to pass.
The bill allocates over $1.1 million from Wyoming’s general fund to match federal contributions for the program. It also stipulates that eligibility will follow federal income guidelines for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Should federal funding run out, the program would be discontinued.
Wyoming Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt noted that approximately 40 cents of every dollar in benefits is typically spent on staple items like bread and milk, though some lawmakers expressed concerns about how the funds would be spent.
The bill now moves to the House Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
