In December of 2022, the United States Congress created a new permanent program for states and territories to provide food dollars to low-income families with school-age kids over the summer months.

This program, officially called Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT), will help close the summer hunger gap when kids are on summer break and not getting nutritious school meals.

Starting in summer of 2024, each family could receive $59.00 (for a total of $177.00) per summer month per child if they have eligible school-age children, for them to buy groceries.

How to participate of the benefits?

If you receive Nutritional Assistance Program (PAN) benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Family Program (TANF) benefits, your child(s) automatically qualify for Summer EBT and will receive the benefits directly to your Department of Family EBT card.

If the student attends a school that participates in the Child Nutrition School Programs, like National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, could be eligible. In the case of public schools, you can access the memorandum with instructions on how to verify the student demographic data here.

For more information, please contact your children’s school institution.