"State Governors Reject Federal Summer Food Assistance, Leaving Millions of Children Hungry"

Georgia has opted out of participating in the 2024 Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, which aims to provide grocery benefits to eligible children during the summer months. The program, initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has been embraced by 35 states, five territories, and four indigenous tribes. The decision not to participate follows concerns about backlogs in the state's food assistance program. While Georgia has not joined the program this year, the USDA states that the door remains open for future participation.