LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen reiterated his decision Friday to opt out of a federal child nutrition program.

Congress authorized the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program starting next year for children whose household income makes them eligible for free and reduced school lunches.

Each child would receive a $120 electronic benefits transfer card to help buy food during the summer months.  The deadline to apply for the program is Monday.

But Pillen’s administration chose to opt out of the program, which could have delivered an estimated $18 million in benefits to children in the state.

“COVID-19 is over and Nebraska taxpayers expect that pandemic-era government relief programs will end too,” Pillen said in a statement Friday.

Pillen stated that Nebraska would continue to participate in the USDA Summer Food Services Program, which provides food and protective services to children in need.

“Those added benefits are simply not available through the enhanced S-EBT program,” he said in the statement.  “Children who are fed on-site by trained program providers are ensured healthy meals and snacks, as well as access to educational and enrichment activities.”

Early Friday morning, advocates of the program – including State Sen. Danielle Conrad – gathered outside of the governor’s mansion for one final plea.

“We can join arms, join hands, join hearts and come together and continue to look for thoughtful solutions to make sure those Nebraska taxpayer dollars come home to help Nebraska kids,” Conrad said.

Local activist Paul Feilmann has been holding a vigil in front of the mansion for eight straight days in an attempt to persuade Pillen to change his decision.

“Children in poverty tend to be invisible,” he said.  “They don’t have anybody to speak for them, they struggle to survive, you know, week to week.”