As summer fades into the backdrop of another school year, the ongoing struggles for food security in Harris County become increasingly evident. Recent governmental decisions have left approximately 633,000 low-income families without guaranteed meals until school resumes in mid-August.
Governor Greg Abbott’s recent veto of a budget allocation for the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program has stirred significant concern among anti-hunger advocates. The veto, which struck down $60 million intended to support this essential program, has left many families in a precarious situation. Abbott cited uncertainties regarding federal funding as a reason for the veto, leaving advocates with hope for re-evaluation in the future.
Despite the governor’s claims, the notion that Texan children face starvation is met with skepticism. While summer meal programs do exist, they tend to be underutilized, largely due to their cumbersome processes. In many instances, children must eat on site, making it challenging for working parents to manage. Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, remarked on the frustration regarding the lost opportunity for families to receive $120 per qualifying child, which could have alleviated some financial burdens during the summer months.
Data from Feeding America reveals that Harris County’s food insecurity rate stands at about 18.2 percent, suggesting that many residents struggle to provide enough food for their households due to limited resources. The investment that could have been made through the Summer EBT program was seen as a potential catalyst for significant federal funds, with Cole suggesting that it could have triggered up to $450 million in benefits for children.
Throughout the legislative season, advocates worked tirelessly to build bipartisan support for the Summer EBT program, leaving many disheartened by Abbott’s decision. Cole pointed out the disappointment felt after seeing progress in legislative discussions only to be met with the abrupt veto.
Since its launch by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2024, the Summer EBT program has proved critical in other states, yet Texas was not among the 30 states that implemented it. Consequently, the state must depend on available summer feeding programs provided by local organizations such as Houston ISD and the Houston Food Bank. These programs, however, do not meet the comprehensive needs of every hungry child in the area.
The Houston Food Bank’s Summer Food Service Program operates throughout the summer, offering approximately 10,000 meals a day across 158 sites. According to Jourdan Stansberry, senior manager of education programs for the Houston Food Bank, participation has increased notably this year.
Amid increasing grocery prices, the need for affordable, nutritious meals remains critical. To address this, the program strives to offer diverse meal options, such as chicken tikka masala and orange chicken, rather than the more traditional cold sandwiches and chips. Stansberry highlighted the importance of the feeding sites, which are strategically located in both urban and rural areas to serve different communities.
The Houston Food Bank’s services will continue through August 8, offering families the chance to call 211 and access information regarding summer meal programs and distribution sites. Responding to the food needs of families during summer months is more essential than ever, as many have noted an increased presence of families in need at food banks.
Cole noted that the additional burden of lost meals during summer can significantly affect family budgets. With rising utility costs and other summer expenses, food is often the first item reduced in household budgets. Stansberry acknowledged the limitations of congregate feeding sites, particularly in how they can hinder families’ access to necessary nutrition.
Despite the challenges posed by the veto and other regulatory constraints, both Cole and Stansberry remain optimistic about future opportunities for obtaining funding and meeting the needs of food-insecure families in Harris County. While Governor Abbott demonstrated a willingness to reconsider funding for the Summer EBT program in the future, there remains uncertainty regarding how federal and state policy changes will impact such initiatives.
Advocates continue to push for a reevaluation of the Summer EBT program, highlighting its potential to alleviate hunger in Texas. As families prepare for the upcoming school year, stakeholders are committed to ensuring that food-insecure children and families have access to the resources they need.
The lack of summer benefits has highlighted the dedication of local organizations like the Houston Food Bank and Houston ISD. In its singular efforts, the Houston ISD continues to provide free meals at campuses that host summer school, offering access to nutrition without the need for registration or identification. However, this program is also subject to time limitations, concluding on July 18.
Betti Wiggins, deputy chief of HISD Nutrition Services, affirmed the vital role of these initiatives in maintaining support for students and their families. Meanwhile, partnerships between HISD, the Houston Food Bank, the USDA, and the Texas Department of Agriculture signify a collective effort toward addressing food insecurity.
Despite the setback indicated by the governor’s veto, Stansberry echoed the sentiment that families still have services to rely on throughout the summer months. Stakeholders remain vigilant in seeking solutions to bridge any gaps left by policy shifts and to provide ongoing support for families facing food insecurity in Harris County.
image source from：houstonpress
