WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently revealed that the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, a new initiative designed to combat child hunger during summer months, is set to launch in 35 states, five U.S. territories, and four Tribes by summer 2024.
This program aims to provide nearly $2.5 billion in grocery benefits to around 21 million children, covering approximately 70% of the total eligible population. The USDA anticipates further expansion in 2025 as more states and Tribes join the initiative.
The Summer EBT program will offer families $120 per eligible child for summer groceries, similar to how Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits operate. These funds can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, or other authorized retailers. Participating Tribes will offer equivalent benefits, redeemable at Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)-authorized retailers.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack hailed the program as a significant stride toward closing the summer hunger gap. “We applaud all the leaders and partners who are stepping up to make the program’s inaugural year a success. Together we’re making progress in ensuring children are nourished and healthy year-round,” said Vilsack.
The Summer EBT initiative comes after rigorous evaluations of a multi-year demonstration project, which found that such a program could significantly reduce child hunger and improve diet quality. The study found that Summer EBT decreased the number of children with very low food security by about one-third and led to healthier diets with more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
This new, permanent Summer EBT program aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health goals to enhance food and nutrition security and improve food access and affordability. The program was enacted on a bipartisan basis by Congress just over a year ago.
While 2024 marks the program’s inaugural year, states and Tribes that do not launch the program this summer will have future opportunities to opt-in. The USDA is providing extensive assistance, trainings, tools, and more to the states, U.S. territories, and Tribes targeting a 2024 roll-out as well as to those planning for 2025 and beyond.
Later this month, USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small will join state, U.S. territory and Tribal leaders, and partners from across the country in Baltimore to celebrate the potential impact of this program on millions of children.
“No kid should have to spend their summer hungry, or without nutritious food,” said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Torres Small. “Summer EBT is a giant step forward in meeting the needs of our nation’s children and families throughout the year, and especially in the summer months.”
The Summer EBT program represents a significant effort to address child hunger, particularly during summer months when school meal programs are unavailable. This initiative has the potential to improve the health and wellbeing of millions of children across the country. However, the success of the program will depend on its effective implementation and the participation of states, Tribes, and territories. As such, it will be crucial to monitor the roll-out of this program, its reach, and its impact on child food security and nutrition.
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