Advocates Urge Texas to Reconsider Cut to Critical Summer Food Assistance Program

The SUN Bucks Program Cut

As summer approaches, concerns about food insecurity in Texas are rising. Governor Greg Abbott recently line-item vetoed the SUN Bucks program, a summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) initiative that provides grocery benefits to eligible school-age children during breaks. This cut, combined with uncertainties over federal funding, threatens access to nutritious meals for thousands of children when school is out.

Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas, emphasized the urgency: “Decisions and commitments from state leaders need to happen now to ensure the program can be implemented in time so children don’t face another summer without reliable access to food.”

A Growing Hunger Crisis

Food insecurity in Texas is severe. Nearly 5.4 million residents faced uncertainty in 2023, with the Dallas-Fort Worth area ranking third among U.S. metro regions. One in six North Texans regularly goes hungry, and about one-third are children. Pediatrician Dr. Lauren Gambill noted, “Many children in Texas face a daily battle with hunger, and this not only affects their current health but also their future well-being.”

Families in Financial Strain

The problem intensifies in summer. According to No Kid Hungry Texas, three out of four parents take on extra debt to keep food on the table when school is out. State Rep. Armando Walle explained that legislative leaders had approved $60 million for the SUN Bucks program, linked to an estimated $450 million in federal funding that could benefit around 3.8 million children. Abbott’s veto eliminated this crucial support.

Long-Term Implications of Hunger

Food insecurity affects more than immediate nutrition. Children lacking regular meals face higher hospitalization rates and healthcare costs up to 200% higher than peers with consistent access to food. Dr. Gambill highlighted the broader effects: “Economically, with increased healthcare risk, we also see decreased employability.” The impact of food insecurity can ripple across generations, affecting health, education, and future opportunities.

Advocacy and Next Steps

With the Texas Legislature not scheduled to reconvene until 2027, advocates have a limited window to push for reinstating SUN Bucks funding. Rep. Walle remains hopeful: “When the governor expresses what he wants to do, it seems to happen.” Community members are urged to contact Governor Abbott and advocate for renewed support for this essential program.Reviving the SUN Bucks program is about more than groceries, it’s about children’s health, breaking cycles of poverty, and creating stronger communities. Ensuring food security during summer helps children grow, learn, and thrive. Advocates call on all Texans to engage, raise awareness, and act to make sure no child goes hungry this summer.