When School Meals Stop, Summer EBT Starts

For millions of families, school breakfast and lunch aren’t just convenient — they’re essential. When school ends in June, many parents face a sudden $200-400/month increase in grocery costs. That’s where Summer EBT comes in.

Summer EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) is a nationwide program that provides grocery money to families with school-age children during summer break. In 2026, all 50 states are participating for the first time since the program became permanent. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Summer EBT?

Summer EBT gives families $120 per child for the summer months to buy groceries. The benefit is loaded onto an EBT card (similar to SNAP/food stamps) that works at most grocery stores and farmers markets.

The program launched as Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) during COVID-19, but was made permanent in 2024 under a new name. It’s designed to replace the nutrition kids normally get from school meals during the academic year. Learn more about Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) at https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks.

Who Qualifies for Summer EBT?

Your child qualifies if they:

• Are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2025-2026 school year
• Are under age 18 at the start of summer break
• Live in a state participating in Summer EBT (all 50 states in 2026)

If your child already receives free or reduced lunch at school, they’re automatically eligible. In most states, you’ll be enrolled automatically without needing to apply separately.

If your family doesn’t get school meal benefits but your income recently dropped, you may still qualify based on household income (generally around $55,000 or less for a family of four).

How Much Do You Get?

Each eligible child receives $120 for summer 2026 — that’s $40 per month for June, July, and August. Benefits are typically loaded onto your card in June, either all at once or split across the three months depending on your state.

If you have multiple children, you get $120 per child. A family with three kids would receive $360 total.

How to Access Your Benefits

If your child qualifies automatically (through free/reduced lunch), watch your mail in late May or early June. You’ll receive:

• An EBT card with your child’s name
• A PIN number (either in the same envelope or separately)
• Instructions on how to activate and use the card

If you don’t receive a card but believe you qualify, contact your school district or your state’s SNAP office. Some states require a short application even if your child gets free lunch — check your state’s Summer EBT website. To find your state’s Summer EBT agency, visit https://www.fna.usda.gov/sebt.

Where Can You Use Summer EBT?

Summer EBT works the same as regular SNAP benefits. You can buy:

• Fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereal
• Seeds and plants that produce food
• Baby formula and baby food

You cannot buy hot prepared foods, alcohol, pet food, or non-food items like diapers or cleaning supplies.

Use your card at any store that accepts EBT, including major grocery chains, convenience stores, and many farmers markets. The cashier will process it just like a debit card.

Other Summer Food Programs

In addition to Summer EBT, many communities offer:

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP): Free meals served at schools, parks, libraries, and community centers. No application required — just show up during meal hours. Find sites near you at USDA’s Summer Meal Site Finder: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): If you have kids under age 5, WIC provides additional monthly food benefits. WIC eligibility is separate from Summer EBT, and you can receive both. Learn more or find your state WIC agency at https://www.signupwic.com/.

SNAP Emergency Allotments: Some states still offer increased SNAP benefits during summer months for families with children. Check with your state SNAP office. Find your state SNAP office at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory.

Important Dates for Summer 2026

Most states will distribute Summer EBT cards between June 1-15, 2026. Benefits can be used through September 30, 2026, though your card may stay active for future programs.

If you move during the summer, contact your new state’s SNAP office to transfer or reapply for benefits. Summer EBT doesn’t automatically transfer between states.

What If You Didn’t Get a Card?

If your child qualifies but you didn’t receive a Summer EBT card by mid-June:

1. Contact your child’s school and confirm they’re listed for free/reduced meals

2. Call your state’s Summer EBT hotline (number varies by state)

3. Check if you need to submit a separate application in your state

Don’t assume you’re not eligible. Administrative errors happen, and many families miss out simply because they didn’t follow up.

Find out if your family qualifies for Summer EBT and other child nutrition programs. Get state-specific information and application links here https://www.fna.usda.gov/sebt.