BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – A federal program designed to provide grocery money to low-income children during the summer won’t be coming to Texas, at least not yet. Now, the Brazos Valley Food Bank says it’s getting used to “uncertainty” being its new normal.
Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a $60 million line item in the state budget that would have allowed Texas to join the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program in 2027.
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding for federal summer lunch program for low-income children
The program, also called SUN Bucks, provides $120 in summer grocery benefits per eligible school-aged child. Families can use the money, issued on an EBT card, to buy food when school meals are not available.
“I think the decision to bring Summer EBT to Texas was a good one, and it still should be,” Brazos Valley Food Bank Executive Director Theresa Mangapora said.
Texas lawmakers included the funding for the program in the state’s $338 billion budget with bipartisan support. That $60 million investment would have unlocked an estimated $400 million in federal food aid.
Governor Abbott cited “significant uncertainty regarding federal matching rates” as his reason for the veto, adding the Legislature can revisit the funding once there is more clarity on the long-term cost to Texas.
“I can empathize with uncertainty as a director of the food bank. We have already lost money, we have already lost sources of food, and we have already had to cut back,” revealed Mangapora. “It seems as though uncertainty is going to be the new normal for a little while. So, I feel like we all need to figure out how to make decisions in uncertain times.”
The decision drew swift criticism from food advocacy groups and local relief organizations. Brazos Valley Food Bank Projects Director Shannon Avila told KBTX she’s heartbroken at the decision.
“This is another way to help supplement children’s meals to help support their growth and development,” Avila explained. “It’s an easy win for families, and it’s even an economic driver. It can add support to local grocers and support jobs in local grocery stores. It was heartbreaking to see that come off the table for 2027.”
Texas is now one of just 13 states not participating in the program, while the 37 others are moving forward.
Advocates say the veto leaves about 4 million Texas children without additional support during the summer months, a time when food insecurity tends to spike.
Feeding Texas expressed its consternation to KBTX in a statement:
Mangapora said she’s hopeful that with the special session, the governor’s decision could change.
“I really do think that when we were visiting our representatives and senators and talking about this program, they’re listening,” she added. “I think that none of that work was in vain, I think that they will be our advocate as well for that. We just need to do some more education in the governor’s office.”
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