Atlanta, GA—Today, Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-6) and Congressman David Scott (GA-13) introduced the Bridge to Summer Nutrition Act, a bill to protect children from hunger, strengthen states’ fiscal stability, and fight back against the President Trump’s and Congressional Republicans’ attacks on our nation’s nutrition program. 

The Bridge to Summer Nutrition Act directly responds to the damage caused by the Republican reconciliation bill that slashed $186 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and dramatically increased the financial burden placed on states. Under the Big Ugly Bill, states are now required to cover 75% of SNAP administrative costs and part of SNAP benefits costs while continuing to pay 50% of Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) administrative costs. This is a sharp increase that has caused uncertainty as to whether states can continue participating in crucial child nutrition programs.  

"Children living in Georgia and the other 12 states that refuse to participate in federal nutrition programs are at risk of going hungry during the summer break,” said Rep. Lucy McBath. "For years, Georgia Democrats have encouraged Governor Kemp to reverse his decision to opt out of the Summer EBT program that automatically provides an additional $120 dollars in nutrition benefits per child to families in need. There is no reason why any child should wonder where their next meal is going to come from when their state leaders are turning down federal dollars." 

“In Georgia, more than 1.1 million children would automatically be enrolled in Summer EBT if Governor Brian Kemp opts the state into the program,” said Rep. David Scott. “Unfortunately, he has repeatedly ignored Georgia Democrats’ calls for him to participate. At the same time, Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration continue their attacks on safety net programs, discouraging states from participating in nutrition programs and walking away from hungry children. This bill chooses the opposite by lowering state costs, expanding access, and making sure kids don’t pay the price for partisan ideology.” 

"Over the last two years, 21 million children across 37 states have benefited from Summer EBT, said Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). This proven program ensures children have access to the nutrition they need to thrive, and return to school ready to learn, while generating local economic activity. The Bridge to Summer Nutrition Act helps to recognize states that are actively working to decrease childhood hunger and incentivizes all states to opt in to the Summer EBT program. This bill is a win-win for families and for our communities. FRAC urges Members of Congress to co-sponsor this bill." 

“The Bridge to Summer Nutrition Act of 2025 is a smart, practical step forward in strengthening access to nutrition for children when school is out,” said Ashanti Lewis, Director of Federal Government Relations at FoodCorps. “By increasing federal support for state administrative costs, this bill helps states operate Summer EBT more efficiently and reach more families who rely on these benefits. At FoodCorps, we see firsthand how consistent access to healthy food supports learning, well-being, and long-term health. We applaud Representative David Scott for introducing legislation that reduces barriers, improves implementation, and helps ensure no child falls through the cracks during the summer months.” 

“Feeding hungry kids over the summer while boosting local food retailers is the ultimate win-win," said Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America. "We laud Congressman Scott for leading on this vital issue.”

Summer EBT is a Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that provides $40 per month, per child during the summer months–$120 total–for children in households that qualify for SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and other safety net programs as well as children who receive free or reduced-price school meals. However, states must opt into Summer EBT. Currently, 13 states, including Georgia, do not participate, preventing over 10 million children from accessing the program, including 1.1 million children in Georgia.

Specifically, the Bridge to Summer Nutrition Act of 2025 would: 

• Incentivize state participation in Summer EBT by reducing a state’s administrative cost-share for both SNAP and Summer EBT to 10% for any fiscal year in which the states opt into the program. 
• Maintain current cost-share requirements for nonparticipating states, keeping SNAP administrative costs at 75% for states that choose not to participate in Summer EBT. 
• Reduce overall state spending on nutrition program administration, allowing states to reprioritize millions of dollars to other state programs. 
• Strengthen continuity of nutrition assistance during summer months when school meals are unavailable, ensuring children do not lose access to food when school is out. 

List of Endorsing Organizations: Coalition on Human Needs, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), FoodCorps, Hunger Free America, the National Education Association (NEA), NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, and Share Our Strength.  

Full text of the bill can be accessed HERE.