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SF 326

A bill for an act relating to the federal summer electronic benefits transfer for children program

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Garriott

SF 326 aims to combat child food insecurity in Iowa by providing $29 million through the SUN Bucks program, benefiting 240,000 children during summer months.

Subcommittee: Costello, Donahue, and Kraayenbrink.
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Bill Summary · SF 326

Summary of SF 326: Federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program

Bill Number: SF 326
Introduced On: February 17, 2025
Current Status: Subcommittee: Costello, Donahue, and Kraayenbrink
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Appropriations, Children, Education Department, Federal Government, Food Assistance, Health and Human Services

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SF 326 is to address food insecurity among children in Iowa during the summer months when they do not have access to regular school meals. The bill aims to implement the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) for Children program, known as the SUN Bucks program, which provides financial assistance for purchasing food.

Key Provisions

  1. Findings: The bill outlines several findings that highlight the need for the program:

    • The Iowa General Assembly recognizes its responsibility to ensure that all children have access to food and nutrition, regardless of their income.
    • Summer months can lead to increased hunger for children who rely on school lunches.
    • Iowa is facing a food insecurity crisis, with food banks reporting high demand.
    • Approximately 240,000 children in Iowa are eligible for benefits under the SUN Bucks program.
    • The program is expected to provide around $29 million to combat food insecurity and stimulate local economies.

  2. Program Administration:

    • The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Department of Education, will oversee the implementation of the SUN Bucks program.
    • The bill emphasizes the importance of making nutritious food accessible to families, particularly in rural areas where meal programs may not be readily available.

  3. Funding:

    • The bill notes that Iowa ended the fiscal year 2023-2024 with a general fund balance of over $2 billion, indicating that the state has the financial capacity to support the SUN Bucks program and its administration.

Impact

  • Beneficiaries: The bill is expected to directly benefit an estimated 240,000 children in Iowa who face food insecurity, providing them with the means to purchase nutritious food during the summer months.
  • Economic Stimulus: By facilitating access to food, the program aims to not only improve child nutrition but also stimulate local economies through increased food purchases.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Actions:
    • The bill was introduced and referred to the Appropriations Committee on February 17, 2025.
    • A subcommittee consisting of members Costello, Donahue, and Kraayenbrink has been assigned to review the bill as of February 18, 2025.

This summary provides an overview of SF 326, highlighting its intent to alleviate child hunger in Iowa through the establishment of the SUN Bucks program and the expected positive outcomes for both children and local economies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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