LINCOLN- Paul Feilmann, an Omaha-based anti-poverty activist launched a vigil on Friday at the Governor's Mansion in Lincoln to protest the state's rejection of $18 million in federal funding that could have been used to feed up to 150,000 low-income youths over the summer of 2024. A spokeswoman from Pillen's office argued that the federal program was one related to the COVID-19 pandemic and that the pandemic was over.

On Friday, speaking at a press conference related to another subject, Gov. Pillen said that he doesn't "believe in welfare," and that the existing summer food programs run by the state are adequate. However, Feilmann, as well as Nebraska Appleseed, argue that the state's Summer Food Service Program is limited, and does not reach all of Nebraska's children.

Indeed, in 2023, there were 197 Summer Food Service sites across Nebraska operated by 58 sponsors, down significantly from the 270 sites and 83 sponsors the year before. On Thursday, the day before Feilmann's vigil, Nebraska Appleseed launched a petition drive urging the state to reconsider its position on the funding. The petition will be given to Pillen on December 29th, just two days before the January 1st cut-off date.

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