Governor Greg Abbott Vetoes Summer Food Program: What This Means for Texas Families

Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent veto of a $60 million plan to support low-income families in Texas has raised alarms among educators and hunger relief advocates. This program, called Sun Bucks, aimed to provide $120 per eligible child to help families buy groceries during the summer when school meals are unavailable.

“School may be out for summer, but hunger doesn’t take a break,” said Melinda Hillis from Dallas ISD’s Food and Child Nutrition Services. Many children depend on school meals for nourishment, leading districts like Dallas to offer summer breakfast and lunch programs. They are also set to distribute family food baskets alongside food pantries starting next week.

Governor Abbott defended his veto, citing worries about unreliable federal funding. He said, “There is significant uncertainty regarding federal matching rates for this and other similar programs.”

For many families, this uncertainty is a harsh reality. Hillis notes, “Families that receive free meals from our district are eligible for EBT. This program would have helped them feed their kids through the summer.”

The veto has drawn sharp criticism from hunger relief organizations, with Feeding Texas, a coalition of food banks, calling it disappointing. They highlighted that nearly one in four children in Texas faces food insecurity, underscoring the urgency of reliable food support.

While school districts are doing their best to provide summer meals, many wonder if the state will rethink its position on summer food assistance. Experts suggest that with nearly 12 million children in the U.S. experiencing food insecurity, effective programs are more crucial than ever. Addressing food access, especially during the summer months, can significantly impact children’s health and academic success.

The ongoing debate around hunger relief in Texas raises a broader question. As communities adapt to changing needs, how can government programs evolve to effectively support families?



Source link

Greg Abbott, Texas, North Texas