AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has vetoed funding for a critical federal-state nutrition program, the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program, a decision that eliminates planned grocery assistance for nearly 4 million children across the state during the summer months.
The veto effectively prevents Texas from participating in the federal program for the upcoming summer, forgoing approximately $450 million in federal funds that would have been distributed to low-income families. This action comes despite the Texas Legislature having allocated $60 million in state funds towards the program in the recently passed state budget.
Understanding the Summer EBT Program
The Summer EBT program is a federal initiative designed to provide financial assistance to eligible families to purchase groceries during the summer when school is not in session. Modeled after the successful Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, Summer EBT aims to address the significant challenge of child hunger during the summer break, a time when children lose access to school breakfast and lunch programs.
The program works by providing eligible families with a benefit card, similar to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), to purchase food. The federal government covers the majority of the program’s costs, typically 50 percent of administrative costs and 100 percent of the benefit costs, provided states contribute to the administrative expenses.
Participation in Summer EBT is voluntary for states. Those choosing to participate must administer the program, which involves identifying eligible children, issuing benefits, and covering a portion of the administrative costs.
Governor Abbott’s Decision and Rationale
Governor Abbott’s veto specifically targeted the $60 million state allocation intended to cover Texas’s share of the program’s administrative costs. Without this state funding, Texas cannot access the nearly $450 million in federal Summer EBT benefits earmarked for the state.
In his veto statement, Governor Abbott cited concerns regarding the “stability of federal funds” for the program as his primary reason for rejecting the funding. This rationale suggests uncertainty about the long-term availability or consistency of the federal contribution to the Summer EBT program, potentially leaving the state with future obligations.
However, critics argue this justification is unfounded, pointing to the program’s structure and established federal support. The Summer EBT program was permanently authorized by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, establishing it as a permanent federal initiative akin to SNAP or WIC, rather than a temporary pandemic-era measure.
Impact on Texas Families and Children
The immediate consequence of the veto is the loss of grocery benefits for an estimated nearly 4 million children in Texas who would have qualified for the Summer EBT program. For many low-income families, the summer months present increased financial strain as they must cover the cost of meals that children would otherwise receive at school.
Nutrition advocates warn that the absence of these benefits could exacerbate food insecurity among Texas children. Consistent access to nutritious food is crucial for children’s health, development, and readiness to learn when the school year resumes. The loss of Summer EBT funding means families will have to stretch already tight budgets further to provide adequate meals, potentially leading to increased reliance on food banks and other charitable services, which may face challenges meeting the increased demand.
Criticism from Advocates
Among those criticizing the decision is Lucy Coady, an Austin resident with significant experience in anti-hunger initiatives. Coady, who serves as a senior director at Evergreen Strategy Group and has prior involvement with campaigns like Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry, argues that the Governor’s rationale is not based on the program’s federal authorization status.
Coady contends that the veto will directly harm families already struggling to afford consistent, healthy meals. She suggests the decision overlooks the tangible benefits the program would have provided in reducing childhood hunger and alleviating financial pressure on households during the summer.
Advocates highlight that participating in Summer EBT is a proven method to reduce childhood hunger and support local economies through increased grocery spending. Texas is one of only a few states opting not to participate in the program this year, leaving millions of eligible children without this specific form of nutritional support.
Looking Ahead
The Governor’s veto has sparked debate across the state regarding the state’s role in supporting vulnerable populations and accessing federal resources. While some alternative summer meal programs still exist, such as those offered at specific sites, they often face logistical challenges in reaching all children, particularly those in rural areas or those with limited transportation. The Summer EBT program provided a flexible alternative, allowing families to purchase food at grocery stores.
The decision means that as summer approaches, Texas families who were anticipating the Summer EBT benefits will need to find alternative ways to ensure their children have enough to eat, navigating a landscape without the substantial federal and state support that had been planned.
