Tennessee Kids Left Hungry: Why This Decision Matters

An important story is unfolding in Tennessee—and it deserves your attention.

Earlier this month, reporting by Anita Wadhwani revealed that Governor Bill Lee declined to opt Tennessee into the federal Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) program, turning away more than $84 million in federal funding that has historically helped feed over 700,000 Tennessee children during the summer months when school is out.

Despite weeks of public urging from county mayors, faith leaders, educators, and child advocates, the governor’s office remained silent ahead of the January 1 deadline to participate. This decision mirrors last year’s rejection of the program, when Tennessee instead created a much smaller, state-funded initiative that reached only 18,000 children in 15 counties—leaving hundreds of thousands of kids across the remaining 80 counties without support, including those in Shelby and Davidson counties.

The impact goes beyond hunger. Analysts previously estimated that Summer EBT dollars brought a $115 million economic boost to Tennessee, with families spending benefits at local grocery stores, farmers markets, and neighborhood retailers.

At a time when child food insecurity remains high across our state, these choices have real consequences for families and communities.

We encourage you to read the full article to understand what’s at stake, who is being affected, and why advocates across Tennessee continue to speak out. Staying informed is a critical step toward accountability—and toward building a Tennessee where no child goes hungry.

Read today: https://tennesseelookout.com/2026/01/06/gov-bill-lee-declines-to-secure-millions-in-federal-funds-to-feed-tennessee-kids-during-summer/