Texas SNAP Benefits Deadline Missed: 3.8 Million Children Affected – What’s Next?

Texas recently lost federal funding for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, which puts 3.8 million children at risk of food insecurity this summer. The program is critical for families that rely on school lunches and provides monthly grocery benefits to combat hunger during school breaks. Texas has now missed this critical support for two years in a row.

Why It Matters

Hunger among children is one of the major issues Texas already faces. Among the states having the highest rates of food insecurity nationwide, it ranks quite high. Even though Feeding Texas states that almost 23% of the children in the state experience hunger, this figure is worrying when compared to the national food insecurity average that Texas is almost 5% above. This implies that low-income families would be very much beneficiaries of the Summer EBT program. They will have received $120 per child, per month while on summer holidays.

Missing federal deadlines directly affect the well-being of Texas children. According to Brian Greene, CEO of the Houston Food Bank, food insecurity leads to developmental delays, poor health, and long-term educational setbacks. This may later affect the workforce and the growth of the state’s economy.

Food Insecurity

Texas SNAP Benefits Deadline Missed: 3.8 Million Children Affected – What’s Next?

[also_read id=”208″]

This is not the first food insecurity issue Texas has experienced. Based on a USDA data set from 2021-2023, Texas is second in the country in food insecurity. Included among the vulnerable populations are children because for many families free or reduced-price school meals provide a critical component of their diet.

The Summer EBT program was enhanced in 2022 with the purpose of addressing such challenges. It issued approximately $450 million in benefits to Texas eligible families when school meal programs are not operational. For two years running, Texas forfeited millions of dollars’ worth of potential aid due to failing to meet the deadline.

Impacts

[also_read id=”215″]

It would be a huge burden on food banks and nonprofits, which are already operating at capacity, if the Summer EBT program is not implemented. Organizations such as Feeding Texas and the Houston Food Bank will have to step in to fill the gap. However, these efforts cannot match the scale of support that federal funding would have provided.

A $450 million that could have served to make the difference in any way needed by Texas families before 2024 could feed thousands of children in their most hungry season. These Texas families will probably spend more just to have basic groceries, stretching the hunger gap in the state further.

The Future

Since Texas missed the federally mandated deadline set for 2025, grassroots advocacy groups including Feeding Texas are urging Texas lawmakers to intervene. The legislation must be forwarded in order for March 1 at the latest; the Texas Legislature is to address the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to install the program for the state’s children. These advocates say doing so is, in fact a moral obligation.

[also_read id=”211″]

Increasingly, the public is calling for policymakers to seize the value in programs like Summer EBT. Unless Texas acts again, millions of children will go hungry and the state will pay the price for decades in lost developmental and economic opportunity.

This would protect our children from the scourge of food insecurity, help fill bellies, and construct a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Texas. Hopefully, the state sees this as the opportunity to create a difference.

FAQ’s

Q. Why did Texas miss the Summer EBT deadline?

A. Texas opted out of participating in the program for two consecutive years.

Q. How many children are affected?

A. Approximately 3.8 million children in Texas, who depend on school meals, are now at risk.

Q. What does the Summer EBT program provide?

A. It offers $120 per child per month to help cover grocery costs during summer breaks.

Leave a Comment