Summer EBT applications open for Arkansans
Apr 22, 2024 | 6:10 pm ET
Description
In participating states, low-income families will receive $40 each month for each eligible school-aged child, up to $120, to buy groceries, beginning in the summer of 2024. Shown is a sign at a grocery store noting the acceptance of electronic benefit transfer, or EBT, cards, on Dec. 4, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Applications opened Monday for a new benefits program that will provide Arkansas families money for groceries for eligible children when school is out.
The $120 benefit will be provided on pre-loaded EBT cards similar to ones used for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The cards are expected to be mailed out by the beginning of July, and they will be sent separately to each eligible child in a family, according to a press release from the governor’s office.
Congress approved the new federal assistance program as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, modeling Summer EBT after a similar program enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Arkansas is one of 36 states participating in the new federal assistance program. Officials announced Arkansas’ participation in January.
Applications can be submitted through Aug. 26 for the new program, which can be used in addition to free meals kids can receive at summer meal sites in their communities.
“Summer is a time when many children lose access to the free and reduced-price meals they get at school, and when households might need a little extra help putting meals on the table,” said Kristi Putnam, Arkansas Department of Human Services Secretary. “It’s important that families are able to feed children healthy and nutritious meals even when schools are out of session, and we are proud to make this program available to help ensure that no child goes hungry this summer.”
U.S. Census data released in September showed that 22% of Arkansas children live in poverty, the sixth-highest rate in the nation, according to Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. Nearly 65% of Arkansas students qualify for free and reduced lunch, according to the state education department.
Children in households that participate in SNAP or the Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) program, or were approved for free meals through the National School Lunch Program will receive the Summer EBT benefits automatically and do not need to apply.
Families can learn if they qualify and submit an application at ar.gov/summerebt.
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