How Summer EBT Can Keep Texas Kids Fed and Boost Local Economies
Communications Manager
Texas has the chance to feed millions of Texas kids and support local economies with Summer EBT – a new USDA program that allows low-income families with school-aged children to receive benefits when schools are closed for the summer.
Summer should be a time of fun and relaxation for kids, but for many kids, summer means losing access to reliable school meals. Child hunger spikes in the summer, and our food banks consistently see an increase in demand in the summer from families with children. Summer EBT would help ensure nutrition for kids year-round.
Through Summer EBT, families will receive $120 in food benefits for each eligible child. These funds would be available on an EBT card, which families can use like a debit card to purchase groceries. This can make a big difference for families in the summer, who often must cover higher utilities and additional childcare costs.
Summer EBT could help 3.75 million Texas children receive approximately $450 million in federal food aid.
Eligibility depends on household income requirements – families must meet the income requirements for the National School Lunch Program or be directly certified through SNAP or Medicaid. Families of children not enrolled in one of these programs can apply for Summer EBT by submitting an application, including families with children who attend private, charter or home school. In Texas, the USDA estimates that Summer EBT could help 3.75 million Texas children receive approximately $450 million in federal food aid.
Texas families with kids in K-12 public schools and rural neighbors are facing food insecurity at disproportionate rates. Research from No Kid Hungry shows 51% of public school families and 54% of rural residents have reported signs of food insecurity in the past 12 months due to cost. Most families with kids in our public K-12 schools (60%) and rural residents (56%) have to choose between paying for food and other essentials in the last 12 months. We can directly support these communities with Summer EBT.
Since Summer EBT benefits are 100% federally funded, Texas would only need to cover half of the administrative costs. Summer EBT is estimated to bring in over $693 million to local economies. Summer EBT’s impact goes beyond keeping kids fed – it’s a way to boost Texas’ economy. Every dollar spent on food benefits brings $1.54 in economic activity. Summer EBT allows Texans to feed their kids while supporting their local food retailers, which could be especially impactful for small businesses and our rural counties.
Summer EBT is estimated to bring in over $693 million to local economies.
The window to participate in Summer 2025 is closing, and our lawmakers must act quickly. Texas was one of only 13 states to not participate in Summer EBT in 2024. We don’t have to miss our chance in 2025. Tell your legislators how impactful Summer EBT can be today for our Texas kids and communities with our digital action form. Your voice can make a difference and help millions of Texas kids stay nourished.
Our Texas kids are worth investing in. They’re our hope and the foundation of our future. Every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive in the classroom. By supporting their nourishment with Summer EBT, we can ensure every Texas child returns to school in the fall ready to focus on their future.
- Tags:
- Hunger,
- Summer EBT,
- USDA
