Wyoming Legislature Blocks SUN Bucks Funding for School Lunches

Funding intended to support summer school lunches for low-income families in Wyoming has once again been blocked by the state legislature. The proposed program, known as SUN Bucks, aimed to allocate $40 per month per child to families eligible for income-based assistance, helping to bridge the gap left when school lunches are unavailable during the summer months.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture initiated SUN Bucks in 2024, allowing families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or other similar programs to receive the funds directly on an EBT (electronic benefit transfer) card. Despite the program’s benefits, Wyoming remains one of the few states that have not opted in, following a failed legislative effort last year where the proposal lost by a vote of 34 to 25.

During the current budget session, advocates for food security urged lawmakers to allocate state funding to participate in SUN Bucks, which would have unlocked matching federal funds. Governor Mark Gordon initially proposed $1.8 million in state funding for the program in November 2023. The Senate included this amount in its budget version, but the House removed it. Ultimately, the funding did not survive the reconciliation process between the two chambers.

Contentious Debate in the House

The discussion surrounding SUN Bucks became a contentious issue among lawmakers, particularly in the House. Concerns were raised about potential over-reliance on federal assistance. Rep. Bob Davis (R-Baggs), who introduced an amendment to fund the program, emphasized the need for support, stating, “An estimated 32,000 children are eligible in Wyoming, and it’s based on the family’s income.” He highlighted that while community organizations provide assistance, many families still face challenges.

In contrast, Rep. Scott Smith (R-Lingle) voiced opposition, arguing that existing programs at food banks adequately meet needs and stressing the importance of parental responsibility. “There’s an element of pride that comes when a parent can go to work, take care of their child, feed their child,” he explained, suggesting that government assistance might undermine that pride.

Other lawmakers, such as Rep. Mike Yin (D-Jackson), countered the notion that current community programs can sufficiently address food insecurity. “Our community programs are saying they need help,” he stated, advocating for state involvement to meet the growing demand.

Rep. Jeremy Haroldson (R-Wheatland) acknowledged the desire to feed children but expressed concerns about the impact of government programs on local initiatives. He referenced a local community member who started a feeding program and questioned whether such initiatives would exist if government aid were more prevalent.

Advocacy and Community Response

On February 24, 2024, approximately fifty hunger relief advocates gathered at the Wyoming Capitol for the inaugural Wyoming Against Hunger Advocacy Day. The event, which included a breakfast hosted by First Lady Jennie Gordon, focused on legislative discussions and future strategies following the session.

Kali McCrackin Goodenough, a food security policy advocate at the Food Bank of Wyoming, expressed the importance of collaboration among community members, especially in small towns. She noted that the sense of isolation in these areas can be challenging, and events like this offer vital support and connection.

Reflecting on the SUN Bucks discussion, Goodenough expressed disappointment over some lawmakers’ comments that opposed the program, suggesting that the concerns were rooted more in ideology than in the practical needs of families. “I don’t think that kids are learning political ideology based off food access,” she said, arguing that the monthly assistance is essential for many families.

For families in need of food assistance, local resources are available through the Food Bank of Wyoming, and families can enroll in SNAP through the Wyoming Department of Family Services or contact Wyoming 211 for additional community resources.