Georgia’s apparent decision to forgo federal funding for a summer meal program has sparked a heated political debate, with Democrats pressing Governor Brian Kemp for answers.
🍽️ What’s Happening: The state failed to meet key deadlines to join the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer EBT program, also known as “Sun Bucks.” The program provides $40 per eligible child per month, totaling $120 over the summer months, to help low-income families cover food costs when school is out.
Georgia is one of only twelve states that chose not to participate in 2024, leaving more than 1.2 million children without access to these benefits.
🏛️ The Governor’s Stance: Governor Kemp’s office has defended this decision in the past, citing concerns over the program’s long-term viability and effectiveness. His administration argues that existing state-run initiatives, such as the Seamless Summer Option, have successfully provided meals to children in need. The governor’s office has also maintained that the program lacks proper nutritional standards.
📣 Why It Matters: Democratic leaders, including Representative Lucy McBath and Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, have strongly criticized the state’s choice. They argue that state-run meal programs failed to reach 59 of Georgia’s 159 counties last summer, leaving thousands of children without reliable access to food.
In a letter to Kemp from Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff and by Representatives Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), David Scott (GA-13), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), and Nikema Williams (GA-05). the democrats pointed out the need for the program in Georgia.
“Of the roughly 2.8 million children who call Georgia home, over 40% of them are eligible for this benefit but cannot participate due to your continued decision to opt out of the program,” the letter said.
They contend that the Summer EBT program could have closed those gaps and ensured that every eligible child received assistance.
You can read the letter they wrote to Brian Kemp below.
⚖️ The Political Divide: This dispute illustrates broader ideological differences between state and federal leaders on how to combat food insecurity. While the Kemp administration favors state-level solutions and questions federal oversight, critics insist that rejecting federal assistance unnecessarily puts vulnerable families at risk.
🔜 What’s Next: The next deadline for Georgia to opt into the Summer EBT program is February 15. Governor Kemp has not yet indicated whether the state will reconsider its decision. Meanwhile, pressure from lawmakers and advocacy groups is expected to intensify as the deadline approaches.
💡 Take Action: Georgia residents who want to support food-insecure families can get involved by donating to local food banks, volunteering at meal distribution centers, and contacting their state representatives to voice their opinions on the issue.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
