Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT)

Summer EBT is a new food support program that provides families $120 for eligible school-aged children to buy groceries when school is out for the summer. 

Summer is a time when many children lose the free and reduced-price meals they get at school, and when households might need a little extra help putting meals on the table. Most families will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply. The new program is in addition to free meals that kids of all ages can get at summer meal sites in their communities. 

How it works

• Families will receive $120 per eligible child for the summer period. 
• Benefits will be pre-loaded and a new Summer EBT card will be sent for each school-age eligible child beginning at the end of July or beginning of August.
• The Summer EBT card will have the child’s case number and name listed on the front of the card.
• Benefits can be used at authorized retailers, like grocery stores and farmers markets, to purchase healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meats and other protein sources, whole grains and dairy.

Learn more about where to shop with an EBT card, what you can (and can’t) buy, and more on the Minnesota EBT card webpage. 

Who’s eligible 

Children may be eligible for Summer EBT if they: 

• Attend a school that offers National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and their household income meets requirements for free or reduced-price school meals. 

or

• The household already participates in:
  • ​Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)  
  • ​Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) 
  • ​Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)  
  • ​Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)  
  • ​Foster Care
  • ​Minnesota Medical Assistance
  • The child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and the household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals. 

How to apply

Many families will get Summer EBT automatically if they are getting other benefits, but some families may need to apply. 

If the household already participates in any of the public assistance programs listed above, they will be automatically enrolled and do not need to apply. 

Households will need to contact their school or school district to get an application if they are not automatically enrolled. 

Need help?

Call the Summer EBT help line at 651-431-4608.