Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has come under fire for rejecting more than $84 million in federal funding that would have helped feed hundreds of thousands of low-income children during the summer months.
The decision, confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, means the state will not participate in the federal Summer EBT program, also known as SUN Bucks, for 2026.
The move has sparked national criticism, including a response from California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Earlier this week, Newsom shared a post from More Perfect Union reporting that Tennessee turned down the federal food aid, and added his own comment:
“The GOP don’t give a shit about you — or your kids.”
Federal Program Meant To Combat Hunger
The Summer EBT program is designed to support children who rely on school meals during the academic year.
When school is out, many of those kids face food insecurity. The federal funds provide families with preloaded debit cards to purchase food over the summer, with each eligible child receiving $120.
According to the Food Research & Action Center, the program not only reduces hunger but also supports the local economy.
In previous years, the $84 million allocated to Tennessee had an estimated $115 million economic impact, as families used the funds at grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers’ markets across the state.
Despite this, Lee declined to enroll Tennessee by the Jan. 1 federal deadline.
The USDA confirmed on Monday that “Tennessee has not submitted their intent to participate in Summer EBT for 2026.”
Faith Leaders and Mayors Urged Participation
In the weeks leading up to the deadline, faith leaders, educators, child advocates, and county mayors publicly called on Lee to accept the federal dollars, according to the Tennessee Lookout.
They cited rising levels of food insecurity among Tennessee children, particularly in urban counties like Shelby and Davidson.
But the governor’s office remained silent and did not respond to repeated inquiries from reporters.
Lee has yet to comment publicly on the decision.
A Smaller State-Funded Program
This isn’t the first time Gov. Lee has turned down the federal aid.
In 2025, Tennessee also rejected Summer EBT funds and instead created a smaller, state-run Summer Nutrition Initiative.
That program covered only 15 counties and reached about 18,000 children, a fraction of the 700,000 who would have benefited from the federal option.
The state spent $3 million on the initiative, offering the same $120 per child. In contrast, Tennessee spent $5 million the previous year to administer the larger federal program.
So far, it’s unclear whether the Summer Nutrition Initiative will return in 2026.
The governor’s office did not respond to questions about its future.
Critics Say Kids Are Paying the Price
Gov. Lee’s decision aligns him with more than a dozen Republican governors who have rejected similar federal assistance programs in recent years.
Reasons cited by these governors include concerns about expanding the “welfare state” and administrative burden.
But many in Tennessee say the decision punishes children. Advocates argue that administrative costs are a weak excuse for denying food support to kids during the summer.
Meanwhile, Newsom’s harsh words reflect growing frustration from outside the state.
For now, families across Tennessee are left without a clear solution as summer approaches.
Whether the governor offers a substitute program or holds his position remains to be seen.
One thing is clear: $84 million meant to help children won’t be coming to Tennessee this year.
IMAGE CREDIT: “Gavin Newsom” by Gage Skidmore, via Flickr. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Image adjusted for layout.