NASHVILLE -  Tennessee House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons says Governor Bill Lee has once again opted to turn his back on Tennessee's most vulnerable children by refusing federal funds for the summer food program. The state had until January 1st to apply for $84 million in federal funding for the summer EBT program.

Governor Lee declined the summer food funds last year and, according to published reports, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says Tennessee has failed to submit an application to benefit from the program this year as well. Lee's intentional refusal to accept our tax dollars from the federal government to provide much-needed nutrition and combat childhood hunger was made despite pleas from dozens of county mayors, members of the clergy, educators, and lawmakers. The summer EBT program, when accepted, feeds over 700,000 Tennessee children during the summer months when school-based meals are unavailable.

In 2025, Governor Lee made the questionable decision to spend an extra $3 million of taxpayer money on a state-run program to provide limited assistance to less than 18,000 children in 15 rural counties rather than accept approximately $80 million to feed over 700,000 in all 95 counties. This fiscally irresponsible decision effectively double-billed Tennessee taxpayers and served far fewer children with similar services.

Rep. Clemmons said the move by Lee to reject the funding is "heartless and hypocritical."

"Lee professes to govern through his faith, but here he is once again depriving hungry children of food while almost 20% of Tennessee children are experiencing food insecurity. There is no sound fiscal or policy rationale for this cruelty. His consistent failure to appreciate and empathize with the everyday struggles of Tennessee families is inexcusable. What's worse is that Bill doesn't even have the decency to stand before the people and explain himself. It's absolutely shameless."