Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children

CFDA 10.646 Active Grant
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$4.33B FY2026
$2.63B
FY24
$3.37B
FY25
$4.33B
FY26*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2026 FY 2026 is the third year of the Summer EBT Program. FNS anticipates the program to continue growing in FY 2026.

Program Objective

Summer EBT is a Federally-assisted program through which participating States and Indian Tribal Organizations provide EBT benefits to children who lose access to free and reduced price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) during the summer when school is not in session.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Department/Agency of U.S. State
  • Department/Agency of U.S. Territorial Gov

States, including U.S. Territories and the District of Columbia, and Indian Tribal Organizations that administer the Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Beneficiaries

  • U.S. Citizen

Children eligible for Summer EBT are those who are eligible for free or reduced price school meals. In some cases, children will be automatically enrolled based on administrative data available at the state level indicating eligibility for free or reduced price school meals. Those who cannot be identified through administrative data must apply for Summer EBT benefits and be determined eligible.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

For Benefit and Admin funds States and ITOs will submit and receive approval on management and administrative plans to receive funding via a Letter of Credit.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 120 to 180 days
Program details & compliance

Description

The objective of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children is to reduce hunger and food insecurity for children who lose access to free and reduced price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) during the summer when school is not in session. States provide benefits on EBT cards to children who were determined eligible for free or reduced price school meals in the prior school year or during the summer. Benefits can be used to purchase food from approved retailers.

Mission Categories

Primary: Food Security

Other categories:
Food and Nutrition for Children

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Through Summer EBT, eligible children receive nutrition benefits loaded onto Summer EBT cards that are used to purchase food during the summer when school is not in session.

Matching Requirements

USDA is authorized to pay each Summer EBT agency an amount equal to 50 percent of the administrative expenses incurred by the Summer EBT agency in operating the program under this section, including the administrative expenses of LEAs and other agencies in each State or ITO relating to the operation of their Summer EBT Program. Each Summer EBT agency is therefore responsible for a fifty percent administrative funding match.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Melissa Rothstein — Deputy Administrator, Child Nutrition Programs
703-346-4484
1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-02-03. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-29 05:37:20.