Weeks after Tennessee Governor Bill Lee chose not to pursue federal summer food aid, lawmakers from both parties are advocating for the state to enroll in the program in the future.
At the state capitol, parents and advocates rallied to support a program that they believe could provide meals to hundreds of thousands of children during summer breaks. “You have to say yes because the kids need to eat,” said Melony Wells, a parent who benefited from the program in the past.
A new bill aims to require Tennessee to apply for federal summer food funding every year it’s available. This program, known as Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (S-EBT), grants $120 in grocery assistance per child when school meals aren’t an option. Roughly 700,000 children in Tennessee could qualify.
In 2024, the state participated in the program but skipped the 2025 opportunity. Critics claim this decision cost Tennessee about $80 million in federal funds. “We have to feed those kids and support their communities,” said Katie Growden from the Save the Children Action Network.
The governor’s office has argued that Tennessee has its own food programs, making federal assistance unnecessary. However, in a recent interview, Governor Lee acknowledged the importance of ensuring that vulnerable kids have access to summer programs.
“I want to make sure that kids in our state have the support they need,” he said.
This conversation is vital, especially considering recent statistics from a national food security study. It found that nearly 1 in 6 children in the U.S. experiences food insecurity. Programs like S-EBT can play a crucial role in mitigating this issue during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.
The bill is currently under review in a House committee, with discussions expected soon. This situation illustrates the growing recognition of the importance of food assistance and the need for consistent support for families in Tennessee.
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