With a critical deadline approaching, advocates are calling on Texas to opt into a federal program that could provide millions in food assistance for children during the summer months.
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Texas has until January 1 to decide if it will take part in the government Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, which is meant to help hungry kids. Advocates say that if the deadline isn't met, the state could lose $450 million in food aid, which would mean that more than 3.5 million kids across the state wouldn't get significant summer benefits.
Food Bank of Texas CEO Celia Cole is worried about the state's reluctance. "I was disappointed when Texas pulled out last summer." Cole said, "That decision left millions of kids without help and put a lot of stress on local food banks."
Families with qualified children can get $120 from the Summer EBT program to help with grocery costs during the summer when school meals aren't available. Texas officials have said in the past that they wouldn't be joining in 2024 because of problems with logistics and a lack of legislative funding.
This year, the time is very important. The letter of intent is due before the Legislature meets again, but by March 1, lawmakers must give the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) money to cover administrative costs.
Plans to put them into action have moved forward, but the HHSC hasn't said for sure if Texas will meet the date. Cole stresses that the program could be good for kids and the local economy.
"The summer is the worst time for kids to be hungry." "This program not only feeds kids, but it also helps local economies by getting more people to spend money at food stores," she said.
A lot of people want Texas to do something to make sure that no child goes hungry in the summer of 2025.
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