The Future of Summer EBT in Texas

Texas has long struggled with one of the highest childhood food insecurity rates in the nation. This summer, the state had a chance to help—through a bipartisan-supported program that would have provided modest summer grocery benefits to eligible families at a minimal cost to the state budget.

The Summer EBT program, adopted by 36 other states from across the political spectrum, would have delivered $40 per child per month during the summer—when many children lose access to school meals. For less than 0.02% of the state budget, Texas could have joined this proven, effective effort to reduce child hunger.

Although the legislature approved funding with safeguards for fiscal responsibility, the governor chose to veto the program, citing federal uncertainty. This decision is not just disappointing—it’s a litmus test for our soul as a state. When we have both the means and the opportunity to feed hungry children and choose not to, it reveals how far we’ve drifted from the values that ought to guide us. For people of faith and principle, this moment is a chance to realign our hearts with compassion, courage, and justice.

We believe addressing child hunger should unite us. It’s not about politics—it’s about ensuring that every child in our communities has the nourishment they need to grow, learn, and thrive. Texans value strong families, healthy communities, and smart investments. This program checked all those boxes.

As Congress considers structural changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), we urge them not to shift the financial burden to the state. We are grateful for Governor Abbott’s willingness to keep the door open to Summer EBT in the future.

We invite leaders, community members, and policymakers to come together to find sustainable, bipartisan solutions to end hunger in our state. Our children deserve no less.