Many children get breakfast and lunch at school. So, when summer break hits, parents may struggle with keeping the pantry and the fridge stocked with the kids home. Grocery prices have increased dramatically over the last few years, but growing children still need a lot of calories to keep their active little bodies healthy and happy.

Summer EBT Program

For those who rely on EBT for grocery assistance, there is a little bit of help coming this summer. According to a press release from MDHHS, “To help ensure children are able to access healthy food this summer while school is out, eligible families will soon receive $120 per child through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) new Michigan Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program.”

The money is going to nearly 900,000 Michigan children.

Money Drops By July 19

MDHHs says that funds are being distributed ahead of the Friday, July 19 start date cited in the state’s plan. Benefits will come in the form of EBT cards that families can use to buy groceries. Families who already have a Bridge card will have a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child, the standard benefit amount set by the USDA for the 2024 program year, added to their existing card. Those who don’t already have a card will be sent a pre-loaded card in the mail. Eligible families will receive a letter about the program.

Eligibility

MDHHS states that a child is eligible for Summer EBT if they are:

• Household participants, between the ages of 6 to 18, who receive Food Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Food Distribution Program on Indian reservations or eligible Medical Assistance households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
• Students of any age certified as eligible to receive free or reduced-priced lunch through the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.
• Approved through the Summer EBT application process.

Other Resources

Local Meet Up and Eat Up locations can be found here.

Local food distribution sites can be found here.

Story by Jennie McClelland for BlueWaterParent.com.