Feeding Texas Issues Statement on Summer EBT Line-Item Veto
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For Immediate Release: 06/23/2025
Contact: Wesley Story
or wstory@feedingtexas.org
TEXAS – Yesterday, Gov. Greg Abbott line-item vetoed $60 million in funding meant to implement the Summer EBT program in fiscal year 2027. Feeding Texas issues the following statement from CEO Celia Cole on the governor’s veto:
“We are deeply disappointed by the decision to veto funding for the Summer EBT program in Texas. This program would have provided critical nutrition support to children during the summer months when school meals are unavailable and food insecurity often peaks.
“While we recognize that federal matching rates for SNAP remain uncertain due to the budget reconciliation bill currently being negotiated by Congress, this decision comes at a time when nearly 1 in 4 children in Texas already face food insecurity. Families across our state are struggling to put food on the table, and Summer EBT is a proven tool to help bridge that gap.
“We urge Congress to ensure that states are not burdened with unsustainable costs when implementing federal nutrition programs like Summer EBT and SNAP. We also call on federal lawmakers to reject proposals included in the budget reconciliation bill that would shift the financial burden of SNAP benefits or more administrative expenses onto states like Texas.
“We want to express our sincere gratitude to Chairs Armando Walle, Angela Orr, Toni Rose and the many anti-hunger champions in the Texas Legislature who fought tirelessly for Summer EBT funding. Their leadership was instrumental in advancing this vital support for families across our state.
“We appreciate Governor Abbott’s openness to reconsidering Summer EBT funding in the future. We stand ready to work with the governor and legislative leaders to find a path forward that ensures Texas children do not go hungry during the summer months.
“Food banks cannot end hunger alone. Our state must prioritize sustainable solutions like Summer EBT that reduce child hunger, expand access to nutritious food, and help every child in Texas grow up healthy and strong.”
– Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks
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Feeding Texas is a network of 20 food banks and leads a unified effort for a hunger-free Texas. Learn more and find your local food bank at feedingtexas.org.
