Georgia Lawmakers Debate Summer Grocery Program for Children

The SUN Bucks program would provide $120 in grocery benefits per eligible child during the summer months.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:05pm

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Georgia lawmakers are debating whether the state should join a federal summer grocery program called SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, that would provide families with grocery money when schools close for the summer. The program would give eligible children a $120 grocery benefit for the summer, with the state investment of $2 million unlocking approximately $143 million in federal grocery benefits for families.

Why it matters

The program is seen as a way to help families struggling with rising grocery costs, especially during the summer months when children are out of school. Georgia has opted out of the program for the past two years, but lawmakers in both parties say the need is too significant to continue doing so.

The details

The SUN Bucks program provides grocery benefits to families whose children already receive benefits such as SNAP or TANF. According to USDA eligibility guidelines, more than 1.1 million Georgia children could qualify. House lawmakers have added and approved $2 million to the state budget to run the program, which would unlock the federal funding. The governor has previously cited a lack of nutritional requirements as the reason for opting out, but his office has not commented on whether that position has changed.

  • The Georgia legislature is currently debating the state budget, which includes the $2 million allocation for the SUN Bucks program.
  • The decision on whether to include the SUN Bucks program in the final state budget will now move to the Georgia Senate.

The players

Rep. Scott Hilton

A Republican state representative who supports the SUN Bucks program, stating that it can help families struggling with higher costs.

Rep. Imani Barnes

A Democratic state representative who supports the SUN Bucks program, noting that most of the funding is provided by the federal government.

Jejuan Stewart

The director of a youth nonprofit working with families across metro Atlanta, who says the program is needed to help with rising grocery costs during the summer months.

Georgia Governor

The governor has previously cited a lack of nutritional requirements as the reason for opting out of the SUN Bucks program, but his office has not commented on whether that position has changed.

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What they’re saying

“As a father myself, I know how much families struggle, especially with everything being more expensive these days. And to be able to help these families goes a long way.”

— Rep. Scott Hilton, State Representative (WRDW)

“Like most of this is paid for by the feds. We should take advantage of it while we can and take some kind of stress off of our parents during the summer.”

— Rep. Imani Barnes, State Representative (WRDW)

“We need more programs like this... the appetites don't stop.”

— Jejuan Stewart, Youth Nonprofit Director (WRDW)

“This is a really great way to be able to leave a mark of support as this is your last term in office… It really can change the trajectory for many children.”

— Jejuan Stewart, Youth Nonprofit Director (WRDW)

What’s next

The decision on whether to include the SUN Bucks program in the final state budget will now move to the Georgia Senate, where lawmakers will decide what stays in the final budget before it reaches the governor's desk.

The takeaway

The debate over the SUN Bucks program highlights the ongoing struggle many families face in providing for their children, especially during the summer months when school meals are not available. The program's potential to unlock significant federal funding for Georgia families has garnered bipartisan support, but the final decision rests with the state legislature and governor.