Millions of families across the U.S. will receive a one-off $120 per child grocery boost this summer under a federal program designed to replace free meals while schools are out of session.
Why It Matters
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program—also known as Summer EBT or SUN Bucks—provides $120 per eligible child to help low-income families afford groceries over the summer months when school meals are not available.
In 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimated the program would reach 21 million children, distributing about $2.5 billion in benefits across 35 states, five U.S. territories, and four tribal nations.
What to Know
Children are automatically eligible for Summer EBT if they are enrolled in certain government assistance programs or receive free or reduced-price school meals. Eligibility extends to:
- Children in households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Medicaid (in participating states).
- Students who attend schools offering the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program and meet income requirements.
Most eligible families will receive the benefit automatically. Those who are not auto-enrolled, but believe they qualify, can apply through their state’s Summer EBT portal.
Like regular SNAP benefits, the program is funded by the federal government.
Participating States and Territories
In 2025, the Summer EBT program will be implemented in the following 38 U.S. states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
In addition to these states, all five U.S. territories—American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands—are taking part.
Several tribal nations have also opted in, including the Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and Otoe-Missouria Tribe.
Summer EBT 2025 will not be available in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming.
When and How Benefits Are Distributed
Each eligible child will receive a one-time benefit of $120. These funds are provided on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which work similarly to debit cards and can be used at stores and farmers markets that accept SNAP.
Distribution timelines vary by state. Some states begin rollout of benefits in May, while others begin in June. Many distribute the benefit in $40 monthly sums.
How the Money Can Be Used
Funds can be spent on any food item allowed under SNAP guidelines. This includes fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grains, meat, and poultry, among others. Benefits cannot be used to purchase non-food items such as cleaning supplies, alcohol, or hot prepared meals.
What People Are Saying
California Governor Gavin Newsom, announcing Summer EBT will be available in the state: “It’s absolutely essential that no kid in California go hungry—especially during the summer months when school meals aren’t available. We’re proud to administer the SUN Bucks program and lead the nation in beating childhood hunger.”
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said in 2024: “Federal COVID-era cash benefit programs are not sustainable and don’t provide long-term solutions for the issues impacting children and families. An EBT card does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic.”
What Happens Next
Families should check their state’s official Summer EBT website for updates, as the date of issuance, card delivery, or automatic account load differs regionally.
Summer EBT benefits expire 122 days from the date of issuance, so families are encouraged to use them promptly.
Read the full article here
