Food Bank Scrambles After Abbott Nixes Summer EBT Aid for Millions of Texas Children

Governor Greg Abbott's decision to turn down $60 million in federal funding for the summer EBT program has sparked significant backlash from the Central Texas Food Bank. The initiative aimed to assist 3. 7 million low-income Texas children by providing $120 per child for food during summer break. While the food bank will not experience a direct loss of funding, it anticipates increased demand for its services. CEO Sari Vatske stated that families receiving summer EBT benefits typically rely less on food banks.

In preparation, the nonprofit has expanded its services to provide daily meals at community locations and deliver boxed meals to rural areas. The summer meal initiative serves over 60 locations across 21 counties until August 8, focusing on regions with pronounced food insecurity. The rejection of this funding underscores the vital role of federal programs in combating childhood hunger. Local charities alone cannot meet the growing need for food assistance among children.