Summer EBT is expected to feed up to 400,000 kids

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced that Minnesota is launching the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program to help families purchase food during the summer months.

Summer EBT will provide grocery-buying benefits to low-income families with school-aged children when schools are closed for the summer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that more than 400,000 children in Minnesota could benefit from the program, bringing in an estimated $100 million in food benefits for families between the summers of 2024 and 2025.

“The end of the school year should not mark the start of food scarcity,” said Governor Walz. “This program, which has been a major priority of our administration, provides a boost for families, allowing them to ensure that their children have enough food to keep them going all summer and ready to learn come fall.”

“As someone who utilized the free and reduced lunch program, I know firsthand the impact of food insecurity. Our kids shouldn’t have to worry about where their next meal will come from. I also know that when the school year ends, kids can fall through the cracks,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “This program is a vital safety net for our children. It’s a continuation of our commitment to making life more affordable for everyone, and this program ensures that all children can stay healthy and fed all year long.”

The program provides families with $120 per eligible school aged child during the summer months to purchase healthy foods with funds placed on EBT cards sent to families at the end of July or beginning of August. The benefits can be used at retailers like grocery stores and farmers markets to purchase healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meats and other protein sources, whole grains and dairy.

“We’ve seen the benefits free school meals have given to students and families,” said Education Commissioner Willie Jett . “This program will ensure that access to food continues through the summer, so students don’t fall behind on their learning and development.”

“Summer can be difficult for families who rely on school meals to help feed their children,” said Assistant Human Services Commissioner Tikki Brown. “Providing additional food support during this time can help alleviate that stress for families and ensure children can stay healthy and focused, setting them up for success all year round."

The Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Minnesota IT Services will work together to determine eligibility and get the benefits to children and families across the state.

Many families will be automatically enrolled for Summer EBT if they qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on family income or if they participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Foster Care, or Medical Assistance (MA).

Households can contact their school or school district to get an application if they are not automatically enrolled to see if they are eligible. For more information about Summer EBT program go to Summer EBT / Minnesota Department of Human Services (mn.gov) .