Addressing Child Hunger in Texas: The Urgency of the Summer EBT Program
For over a million children in Texas, summer break represents a harsh reality rather than a joyful escape. With schools closing their doors, crucial meal programs also come to a halt, leaving working-class families to grapple with food insecurity. In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduced the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (Summer EBT), which presents a significant opportunity to combat child hunger. However, Governor Greg Abbott’s refusal to adopt this initiative for 2024 has led to a devastating outcome for approximately 1.3 million children in the state, all while Texas enjoys unprecedented budget surpluses.
What Is the Summer EBT Program?
The Summer EBT program is a straightforward solution aimed at alleviating food insecurity among children who qualify for school meal programs. Under this initiative, families receive a debit card loaded with $120 per eligible child, which can be used to purchase groceries. The federal government fully funds these benefits and covers half of the administrative costs. This is an opportunity for Texan families to reclaim their taxpayer dollars and invest in the nutritional needs of their children. Unfortunately, Texas is among just 13 states to turn down this beneficial program for Summer 2024, walking away from approximately $450 million in federal funds.
Challenges and Misconceptions
State officials have cited administrative hurdles as a primary reason for rejecting Summer EBT, including the need for state funding, limited resources due to Medicaid reenrollment, and delayed federal guidance. However, these obstacles can be effectively addressed—especially considering Texas’s projected $24 billion surplus for 2025.
The Impact of Food Insecurity
According to a recent report by UnidosUS, over half (52%) of the children affected by this decision are Hispanic or Latino. This issue is particularly acute in areas like the Rio Grande Valley, which encompasses some of the state’s most impoverished neighborhoods. For families that rely on free and reduced-price meals throughout the school year, the absence of these meals during the summer can generate significant financial stress. The Summer EBT program represents a targeted intervention that has been proven to reduce child hunger, ensuring that children receive the nutrition they need to prosper.
Economic Ramifications of Rejecting Assistance
The refusal to accept federal food assistance is not merely a family issue; it has broader implications on the Texas economy. Families that are unable to secure adequate food will naturally reduce their grocery spending, leading to lower sales for local retailers. This downturn can create a snowball effect, where businesses purchase fewer goods and services from other Texas enterprises, thus weakening the economic fabric of the community. Recent polling by UnidosUS made it abundantly clear: Hispanic and Latino voters are eager for elected officials to address the escalating costs of living, which directly correlate with food insecurity.
A Surplus of Resources
In 2023, Texas reported a historic surplus of $32.7 billion, more than sufficient to cover minimal administrative costs associated with the Summer EBT program. Furthermore, additional federal grants could modernize the state’s administrative systems, making the implementation of the Summer EBT initiative even smoother.
A Second Chance to Act
While Texas missed the initial August 15 deadline to submit its administrative plan for Summer 2025, the state received a waiver to extend the deadline. This allows Texas leaders another opportunity to prioritize the welfare of children. However, with a crucial deadline of February 15 approaching, decisive action is necessary.
The Importance of Prioritizing Our Children
Neglecting to opt into this program for yet another year would be an indefensible choice—one that would leave countless children vulnerable to hunger and deny Texas families access to their own federal tax dollars. Addressing the needs of the state’s most disadvantaged residents is not merely a moral obligation; it is a strategic move that can yield long-term benefits.
Rise Against Hunger or visit Feeding America to further understand the broader implications of food insecurity in Texas and how community efforts are striving to solve this pressing issue.
By investing in the health and wellbeing of Texas children, we are not only providing immediate support but also fostering a better future for the state as a whole. The time to act is now—let’s ensure that no child in Texas goes hungry this summer.
