Today, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp vetoed the funding for SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, that had been approved by the General Assembly as part of the state budget. The following is a statement from No Kid Hungry Georgia senior manager Kate Goodin:
We are deeply disappointed by Governor Kemp’s decision to veto the $2 million in funding allocated for SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) for summer 2027. After missing out on the program for the last two years, legislators from both sides of the political aisle came together to bring this much-needed child nutrition program to the state. This common sense program addresses both child food insecurity and the affordability crisis, a win-win for Georgia kids, their families, and local economies. No Kid Hungry thanks House Appropriations Chairman Matt Hatchett, Vice Chairs Matt Dubnik and Katie Dempsey, and Senate Appropriations Vice Chairs Billy Hickman and Ben Watson for their leadership and efforts to bring SUN Bucks to Georgia kids.
SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a federally funded summer nutrition program that advocates have long campaigned to bring to Georgia. Funding vetoed in the budget would have served as a downpayment for the program to begin in summer 2027. SUN Bucks can provide eligible Georgia families with essential grocery benefits to help replace the school meals that disappear over the summer break. While this veto delays progress and means Georgia will not yet join the 37 states already offering Summer EBT, the need for this support remains urgent for families across the state. No Kid Hungry polling shows that 4 in 5 families who meet the income threshold for SUN Bucks say they often find themselves without enough money for food during the summer. SUN Bucks couldhelp these hardworking families avoid impossible decisions between putting food on the table and paying for other essential needs like rent, utilities, or medication.
A strong majority (82%) of adults statewide would like Georgia to participate in Summer EBT and support for the program is strong across the full partisan spectrum. No Kid Hungry is committed to working with elected officials, statewide partners, and families to bring SUN Bucks to Georgia in 2027.The success of Summer EBT in 37 other states shows what is possible when policy prioritizes children’s well being. The need has not changed, and neither has our commitment to securing this support for families.
For summer 2026, families are encouraged to check with their local schools and community partners to get the latest information on the availability of summer meals programs in their area. Information is also available on the Summer Resource Hub at NoKidHungry.org/Help or/Ayuda.
