Roughly seven of every 10 school-age children will be included in the new Summer EBT program, which is expected to disburse $2.5 billion in its first year of operation, said the Agriculture Department on Wednesday. The program provides low-income households with $40 a month per child to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers.
The USDA said the program would serve nearly 21 million children in 35 states, the five U.S. territories, and four tribes. The agency said it expected additional states and tribes would join the program in 2025. Not participating this summer are Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, and Wyoming.
“By implementing the program, states will help ensure that children have a hunger-free summer and return to school well nourished and ready to learn,” said Luis Guardia, head of the Food Research and Action Center, an anti-hunger group.