Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent veto of a $60 million state plan to support low-income families through a federal summer food program has sparked concern among educators and hunger relief advocates across Texas.
The program, known as Sun Bucks, would have provided $120 per eligible child to help families buy groceries during the summer months, when school meals are unavailable for many children.
Schools step in to help
“School may be out for summer, but hunger doesn’t take a break,” said Melinda Hillis, a representative with Dallas ISD’s Food and Child Nutrition Services. “A lot of kids depend on schools to eat. So we offer summer meals to bridge that gap.”
Dallas ISD, along with dozens of other school districts across the state, continues to offer summer breakfast and lunch programs. The district is also preparing to distribute family food baskets starting next week, in partnership with food pantries and charitable food banks.
Abbott cites federal funding concerns
Despite these efforts, the vetoed Sun Bucks program was seen as a critical supplement. Abbott defended his decision by citing concerns over federal funding reliability…