Summer EBT Benefit
The United States Department of Agriculture is launching a program to improve food access for students during the summer break.
What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT is a new grocery benefits program that provides families $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out. Summer is a time when many children lose the free and reduced-price meals they get at school, and when households might need a little extra help putting meals on the table. Most families will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply. The new program is in addition to free meals that kids of all ages can get at summer meal sites in their communities.
Many families will receive Summer EBT automatically if they are getting other benefits, but some families may need to apply.
How does this program work?
The benefits will be provided on a new EBT card and can be used to buy groceries. Families will receive $120 per eligible child for the summer. Benefits can be used at authorized retailers, like grocery stores and farmers markets, to purchase healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meats and other protein sources, whole grains, and dairy.
Is my student eligible?
Children are eligible for the program if the household already participates in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), and foster, homeless, migrant and runaway children can qualify for educational benefits without reporting household income.
If the household already participates in SNAP, FDPIR, TANF, they will be automatically enrolled in the Summer EBT program. These households do not need to fill out an application.
OR • the child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and the household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
Note: All students are not automatically eligible because of “Free Meals.” Students must qualify through a free or reduced-price meal application. Already approved households do not need to re-apply.
Not sure if you are eligible?
If the household is not automatically enrolled and may be eligible, complete the application at the link below.
Who do I contact for more information?
If you are a parent or guardian and have questions about Summer EBT for your child, you can call the Department of Human Services (DHS) call center number at 651-431-4608 or 1-833-454-0153.