Summer EBT
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program (Summer EBT) is a new federal nutrition program that provides grocery benefits during the summer months to families with children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program (Summer EBT) is a new federal nutrition program that provides grocery benefits during the summer months to families with children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Summer EBT was authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 as a permanent, nationwide program beginning in summer 2024. Estimates show 30 million children are eligible for Summer EBT in the United States.
Summer EBT 101
Get the essential information about this new federal meals program designed to provide eligible children with $120 in grocery benefits during the summer months.
Summer EBT benefits are $120 per child per summer, though benefits are higher in Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. territories. The benefit level will be adjusted annually for inflation after 2024. Benefits are typically provided on a debit-style EBT card to purchase food at stores, farmers markets, and online.
Permanent Summer EBT builds off of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children (SEBTC) demonstration pilots that began in 2011 and Pandemic EBT that provided benefits to eligible children to replace school meals when schools were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The SEBTC pilots reduced very-low food insecurity for participating children by a third and increased consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Summer EBT and summer meals work together to address the summer hunger gap. Children can participate in both Summer EBT and summer meals, providing families with more food resources during the summer months.
For More Information
For additional details on the history of Summer EBT, key program rules, and links to USDA guidance and resources, see the Summer EBT section of our Summer & Afterschool Meals Policy page.
