Joint Statement on Summer Meals Program Veto
AUSTIN, TEXAS — On Sunday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed the $60 million in funding for the Summer EBT program, which had been approved during the state budget discussions of the 89th Texas Legislature. The following is a joint statement from No Kid Hungry Texas Director Stacie Sanchez Hare, Representative Armando Walle (TX-140) and Representative Toni Rose (TX-110):
“We are deeply disappointed by Governor Abbott’s decision to veto the $60 million in funding allocated for the Summer EBT program. After missing out on this program for two summers, lawmakers came together in a bipartisan effort to bring a much-needed child nutrition program to Texas, one that would have helped ensure summertime nutrition for 3.75 million children across the state.
“The approved funding would have provided Texas families with essential grocery benefits to provide meals for their kids when school is out for the summer. This veto prevents Texas from joining the 37 other states across the country that have begun offering Summer EBT.
“This failure to move forward with a proven, cost-effective solution to child hunger will continue to negatively impact Texas children who miss out on meals during the summer. Summer EBT could have helped families avoid impossible decisions between putting food on the table and paying for other essential needs like rent, utilities, or medication.
“Texas had an opportunity to invest in our children’s health and future, ensuring they grow up strong, with consistent access to fresh, nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables—but that opportunity was missed. Texas children deserve better. What’s more, the reason given for the veto — uncertainty regarding the federal budget and the SNAP program — is unfounded. Summer EBT matching funds are not tied to SNAP rates, and we have no reason to believe they are at risk. This decision has cost Texas families $450 million in benefits, a substantial loss that will have real, negative impacts on the health and well-being of our children.
“The success of Summer EBT in 37 other states highlights what is possible when policy prioritizes children’s well-being. We hope that the program’s undeniable positive impact across the country will incentivize future adoption in our state.
“In the face of this decision, we are doubling down on our commitment to nourishing Texas children through strategic partnerships, grants, and continued advocacy for smart, equitable nutrition policies. Our work continues to ensure that no child goes hungry, in the summer or at any time in the year.”
Representative Armando Walle added:
“We fought hard to make Summer EBT a reality in Texas, because it's a smart and necessary investment in our future. Texas families have been stretched thin at the grocery store, and this program would have helped ease that burden and ensure no kid goes hungry just because school is out. This was a baffling decision and I am disappointed on behalf of the millions of Texans who would have benefitted.”
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State Rep. Armando Walle serves House District 140 in Harris County. For questions regarding the information in this release, please contact Cara Santucci, Chief of Staff, by email at cara.santucci@house.texas.gov.