Abbott Vetoes Funding For Summer Food Program

Late Sunday evening Greg Abbott used the power of his governorship to veto several high-profile laws and provisions. One of those vetoes was for a line-item in the state’s budget bill: a summer food program meant for low-income Texas children.

Many lawmakers in Texas worked hard to secure the $60 million that would have allowed Texas to begin offering free or reduced food to qualifying Texas families starting in summer 2027. It was estimated that about 3.75 million children in Texas would have benefited.

In 2024, Texas was just one of thirteen states not to participate in a new federal program known as Summer EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer). Under Summer EBT, families receive $120 for each participating child, and the funds can be used at grocery stores, farmers markers, or other places that accept SNAP. Texas joining into Summer EBT was championed by both Texas Democrats and Republicans. Before the veto, it appeared that Abbott was supportive.

In issuing his veto (the only one for the budget), Abbott indicated this was a response to “uncertainty regarding federal matching rates.” While Summer EBT is federally funded (and Texas was poised to receive over $450 million), states must provide administrative costs. The full Texas budget bill (which funds the next two years) topped out at $338 billion.  

The veto of Summer EBT is a stinging loss for advocates working to end childhood hunger in Texas. According to No Kid Hungry, over 23 percent of children in Texas come from “food insecure” homes. Food insecurity refers to not everybody in a household receiving enough food to ensure a healthy life.

After Abbott’s veto, No Kid Hungry Texas Director Stacie Sanchez Hare, Rep. Toni Rose and Rep. Armando Walle issued a joint statement rebuking the action. “This failure to move forward with a proven, cost-effective solution to child hunger will continue to negatively impact Texas children who miss out on meals during the summer,” they wrote. “Summer EBT could have helped families avoid impossible decisions between putting food on the table and paying for other essential needs like rent, utilities or medication.”

The trio also called out Abbott’s reasoning, citing federal uncertainty, for vetoing Summer EBT. While there have been drastic cuts in Washington and even the SNAP program, Summer EBT is a totally distinct entity and there has been no indication it’s at risk.  

Abbott vetoed a total of 26 bills on Sunday evening, including Senate Bill 3, which would have banned THC products in Texas. He also called for a special session to begin on July 21. Abbott placed regulating THC as one of the agenda items for lawmakers to consider.