The Challenge We Must Address
Every summer, hundreds of thousands of Tennessee children lose access to the school meals they rely on during the academic year. When cafeterias close, many families struggle to fill the gap — stretching grocery budgets, making difficult trade-offs, and facing higher rates of food hardship during the months when kids are home the most.
For Tennessee children, the end of the school year doesn’t just mean summer break—it means losing reliable access to daily meals.
During the school year, children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals have consistent access to nutrition that fuels their growth, development, and ability to learn. But when school is out, that support disappears. And for many families, the gap is immediate and overwhelming.
Summer is often called the hungriest time of year for families with young children.
While summer meal programs exist, they reach only a fraction of the children who need them. Transportation barriers, limited site availability, and scheduling challenges leave too many families without access. The result? Increased food insecurity, added stress for parents, and children missing the nutrition they need during critical months of development.
And in Tennessee, this challenge is significant—impacting an estimated 700,000 children across the state.
The Solution:
Legislation HB1835 / SB1911, sponsored by Representative Michael Hale and Senator Paul Bailey, offers a proven, practical solution: Summer EBT (S-EBT).
Summer EBT provides eligible families with $120 per child in grocery benefits during the summer months—giving parents the flexibility to purchase food that meets their children’s needs .
This isn’t a new or untested idea. Summer EBT has been piloted and studied for years, including a successful pilot in Northeast Tennessee in 2018. Tennessee also participated in the program in summer 2024.
The Results are clear:
- Reduced food insecurity
- Improved access to nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- No increase in unhealthy food consumption
- Less stress for families trying to make ends meet
This is a fiscally responsible, high-impact strategy that ensures kids don’t go hungry simply because school is not in session.
Summer EBT is one of the most effective tools in the country for reducing childhood hunger.
Why it Matters for Tennessee
Summer EBT is more than a nutrition program—it’s an investment in children, families, and our state’s future.
If passed, this legislation would:
- Help ensure children stay healthy and ready to learn year-round
- Support working families during one of the most financially challenging times of year
- Bring approximately $84 million in federal dollars directly into Tennessee communities
- Strengthen local economies by supporting grocery stores, farmers, and small businesses
And importantly—Tennessee would not be alone. Neighboring states like Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Virginia are already participating. We cannot afford to let Tennessee families fall behind.
What’s at Stake
When children have access to consistent, nutritious food, everything changes.
- They are healthier.
- They are better prepared to learn.
- They are more likely to succeed—in school and beyond.
But when that access disappears, the impacts ripple across families, classrooms, and communities.
Summer EBT is a smart, evidence-based solution that meets families where they are.
What you can do: Be a loud voice for little kids and families!
Tennessee families need Summer EBT.
Now is the time to ensure that no child goes hungry simply because school is out.
Take action today by contacting your legislators and urging them to support HB1835 / SB1911.
Because investing in our children’s nutrition is investing in Tennessee’s future.
