Reynolds’ new food assistance plan creates hurdles

When news broke about Gov. Kim Reynolds' waiver request, to sidestep the U.S. Dept of Ag's summer food assistance, and instead use the federal dollars to pay for a state-administered summer food program, I fumed about another intrusive act by Reynolds, an act that removes self-determination and dignity from families needing food assistance. Instead she creates hoops to jump for assistance using federal dollars. Her multistep program may have value, but as your editorial points out, hers should be in addition to the federal program.

The dignity of people who need food assistance should never be yanked around or diminished by authorities who have all the resources they need and believe they should control others' access to resources too.

Gretchen Reeh-Robinson

Mount Vernon