US EditionParents, Advocates React to Governor Opting Out of Federal Summer Food Assistance Program
Tennessee joins 10 other states in declining $84 million in federal summer food funds despite nearly 20% child food insecurity, with alternative programs planned for 2027.
- This year, Governor Bill Lee opted not to join the federal Summer EBT program for 2026, so eligible children will not receive the one-time $120 payment.
- The Governor's Office says Summer EBT was established in the pandemic-era and is mostly duplicative of state summer food assistance programs, framing the choice as fiscal stewardship as costs shift to states.
- Jenny Wright, program manager, Communities in Schools Tennessee, said rural counties face harder access and stressed nutrition is vital as the Summer EBT feeds over 700,000 Tennessee children.
- Tennessee House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons condemned the refusal to accept federal funds despite pleas from dozens of county mayors, while parents warned losing benefits would harm single mothers.
- The Governor's FY26 budget proposal will include further investments in summer food assistance programs, while reporters asked how state funding will replace declined federal dollars.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Tennessee Lookout
Gov. Bill Lee declines to secure millions in federal funds to feed Tennessee kids during summer
The federal government said Monday that Tennessee has not opted into a summer food program for low income kids that brought more than $84 million in funding to avert childhood hunger in previous years. (Photo: Getty Images)Despite the urging of county mayors, child advocates, clergy and educators, Gov. Bill Lee has declined to secure millions of dollars in federal funding to provide food to low-income kids by the government’s Jan. 1 deadline. Le…
Bill Lee’s Hunger Game
Will Bill Lee make sure Tennessee kids get summer food assistance OR will he continue to be a lackey for Trump? Easy: Lee chose Trump over kids. For the second year in a row. Following last year’s “liberation” from federal assistance in feeding hungry kids during the summer, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee will also forego funding for food assistance in 2026. Tennessee Lookout reports on this year’s decision: Despite the urging of county mayors, child …
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