New data highlights the potential impact of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program on Texas communities. In 2024, Texas was among 13 states that opted out of this federal nutrition initiative, which offers grocery benefits to families with low-income students during summer months when school meals are unavailable. Feeding Texas has released information demonstrating what could have been achieved with Summer EBT in local areas.
The deadline for submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for participation in Summer EBT is January 1 each year. As it stands, Texas may miss this deadline again in 2025.
"Child hunger spikes in the summer because millions of children lose access to the school meals they receive in the regular school year," said Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas. "Summer EBT fills this gap, ensuring that Texas kids stay nourished and ready to learn. The program is particularly important for a state like Texas, where 1-in-6 households are food insecure."
Summer EBT provides $120 per eligible child on an EBT card for grocery purchases during summer. USDA estimates indicate that about 3.75 million students in Texas could qualify for around $450 million in food aid through this program.
"Summer EBT is a valuable economic driver. Each dollar spent on SNAP benefits generates nearly two dollars in economic activity," said Amber O’Connor, Food Policy Analyst for Every Texan. "In the counties served by Texas’ food banks, an estimated $405,737,097.00 in benefits could help feed nearly 3.5 million Texas children."
To be eligible for Summer EBT, families must meet income requirements under the National School Lunch Program or be directly certified through SNAP or Medicaid. The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) has analyzed potential benefit amounts by county based on current eligibility criteria.
“Texas food banks are already working overtime to meet the increased need from families facing soaring food costs and long wait times for SNAP benefits,” Cole stated. “The demand for emergency food assistance is outpacing our supply.”
If Texas misses the January 1 NOI deadline, there remains a brief period early next year when legislative action can enable implementation of Summer EBT by March 1 at the latest.
“If there is one thing all Texans can agree on, it’s that no child should go hungry,” Cole emphasized. “Children are our most important asset... Their nourishment and development should be a top priority... The Texas Legislature should prioritize Texas kids and direct HHSC to implement Summer EBT by March."
