In Vermont, the Department for Children and Families said it declined to participate because the requirements were “very detailed and extensive.” But the department said that Vermont would want to provide “this important summer nutrition benefit” in 2025, as long as the state identified the necessary funds to run the program, and technology support and other infrastructure concerns were addressed.

Another state that said no, Oklahoma, also cited bureaucratic and logistical concerns, though it did not rule out participating in the future.

I’m interested to know how many democrat states opted out of this program as well. I don’t think anybody said that they were against giving food to children, just that setting up the programs would be a hassle.