Texas, home to 3.8 million children eligible for federal summer meal assistance, has missed the deadline to apply for the program. This initiative, known as the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program, provides an extra $120 per child to help low-income families buy groceries during summer break. Despite the missed January 1 deadline, the state can still choose to apply later this year, but the decision lies with the Texas Legislature.

What Is the Summer EBT Program?
This federally funded program offers grocery benefits to families with children who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches during the school year. Even home-schooled and private school students are eligible if their family income meets the criteria. For example:

• A family of four earning $40,560 or less annually qualifies for free lunch.
• A family earning $57,720 or less qualifies for reduced-price lunch.

In 2024, Texas could receive up to $400 million in federal funds if it joins the program. However, the state would need to cover half of the $110 million administrative costs, amounting to $55 million.

Why Has Texas Not Applied Yet?
Last year, Texas declined to participate, citing insufficient time to set up the program. This year, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has not confirmed whether it will proceed, stating that the Legislature needs to approve the administrative costs.

Several challenges were outlined:

• Collecting data on home-schooled and private school students.
• Coordinating between the HHSC, Texas Education Agency (TEA), and Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).

Impact on Families and Local Economies
Families relying on school meals often struggle during summer vacations. Advocates argue that the $55 million state share could be offset by the economic boost the program provides. Research shows that every $1 spent on SNAP benefits generates $1.50 in local economic activity. According to estimates, Texas could see a $675 million to $810 million economic impact if it joins the program.

A Missed Opportunity with a History
The program is part of federal efforts to reduce food insecurity for children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, alternative meal pick-up points were introduced, prompting the USDA to develop this permanent Summer EBT program.

Interestingly, Texas piloted a similar program through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) initiative from 2011 to 2018. Despite successful tests, the program was never expanded.

The Role of Lawmakers
The Texas Legislature, set to begin its new session on January 14, holds the key to participation. Lawmakers need to allocate funds and provide guidance to the three state agencies responsible for implementation.

Texas is not alone in its hesitation. Half of the 12 states that haven’t joined the program, including Florida and Georgia, have been slow to adopt federally funded programs for low-income residents, such as Medicaid expansion.

School Meal Programs: A Longstanding Effort
The National School Lunch Program began in 1946 to combat malnutrition among low-income children. Over time, it expanded to include free breakfast programs and summer meal options. Despite these efforts, many children still miss out. In Texas:

• 3.8 million children qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.
• 500,000 eligible students did not participate in 2023.

What’s Next?
Advocates like Feeding Texas continue to push for participation, emphasizing the program’s benefits for children and the economy. The decision now rests with state lawmakers, who must weigh the costs against the potential gains for Texas families.

By taking action, Texas could ensure that millions of children receive nutritious meals during the summer, while also boosting local economies. For now, families and advocates remain hopeful that the state will make the right decision.

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