More than 36 county mayors in Tennessee are rallying for Governor Bill Lee to enroll more students in a federal food benefits program designed to support low-income families over the summer. This initiative aims to alleviate child hunger when school meals aren’t available.
Local leaders and some state Democrats are reigniting their call for the program after Governor Lee declined to participate in 2025. This decision marked the first time in five years that many low-income students in Tennessee missed out on extra grocery funds during the summer.
The deadline to join the federal program for 2026 is coming up on January 1. County mayors stressed the urgency in a letter stating, “Our cities and towns are at the forefront of fighting child hunger. Summer EBT is essential for nourishing kids, keeping them healthy, and prepared for learning come fall.”
By opting out, Tennessee effectively turned down approximately $75 million in federal funds meant for students. Critics have pointed out that the governor’s alternative program was more costly and reached far fewer children. The state-run initiative served just 25,000 kids in 15 counties, compared to the 700,000 who benefited annually from the federal program between 2020 and 2024.
Clarence Carter, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, labeled the smaller program as “fiscally responsible.” However, it’s noteworthy that every dollar spent on the federal program yielded about $14 in support for students, making the state’s financial argument less compelling.
In a broader trend, 13 states with Republican governors also opted out of this summer food aid in 2025, highlighting a significant policy shift regarding child nutrition across the country. According to recent reports, the federal program typically offers around $120 per eligible school-aged child during the summer months, easing the financial strain on families.
Senate Democratic Caucus Chair London Lamar emphasized the importance of these funds, saying, “Summer EBT is a smart way to ensure kids don’t go hungry just because school is out. These funds help families stretch their grocery budgets while positively impacting local economies.”
With these new dynamics at play, the debate continues over the best way to tackle child hunger in Tennessee, as pressure grows for leaders to find effective solutions that truly benefit all students.
