Run by the government, Summer EBT gives families extra help with meals when they need it most. This program makes sure Vermont's kids have enough to eat during the summer when school is out.
Savor the flavor of important program information below!
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs for families
Summer EBT is a program that helps families provide nutritious meals for their children during the summer break when school meals aren't available. It offers extra support to ensure kids have enough to eat even when classes aren't in session.
Families will receive a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child and can use the money to buy food during the summer.
Kids will automatically get benefits if:
- They're between 6 - 16 years old and get Medicaid with a qualifying family income, 3SquaresVT, or Reach Up; or,
- They're younger than 6 or older than 16 years old, but attend a Vermont public school or an independent school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and live in a home that gets Medicaid with a qualifying family income, 3SquaresVT, or Reach Up.
Families that qualify based on their income but aren't automatically enrolled can apply online.
If your child is already enrolled in a benefits program like Medicaid (with a qualifying family income), 3SquaresVT, or Reach Up, you will automatically receive Summer EBT benefits.
If families qualify and already have an EBT card, their Summer EBT benefits will be added to it. If they don't have a card but qualify, they'll receive a new card.
Families automatically enrolled will be notified by mail in July.
Yes, each eligible child in your household will receive Summer EBT benefits to support their nutritional needs during the summer months when school meals are not available.
Each eligible child typically receives $120 for the summer operational period, which equates to approximately three months of benefits.
Summer EBT benefits can be used like a debit card to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
Qualified retailers include grocery stores, online retailers, and farmers' markets.
Yes! Children are still eligible to get Summer EBT if they're between 6 - 16 years old and live in a home that gets Medicaid with a qualifying family income, 3SquaresVT, or Reach Up.
You can determine their eligibility by filling out our online application if they're not in NSLP schools.
Applications for Summer EBT benefits for the 2023/2024 school year have closed and are no longer accepted. Summer 2024/2025 applications are available; you can apply online. We will issue the benefits for the 2024/2025 school year during the summer of 2025.
What should schools & nonprofits know?
Summer EBT helps kids who normally get free or reduced-price school meals access nutritious food during the summer.
Schools and nonprofits can share information about the helpful program in multiple languages. Share program information from the USDA in English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese at this link.
Families may receive Summer EBT automatically if they're already enrolled in programs like SNAP. Or they may need to apply through a straightforward online application process.
Families can enjoy flexibility and choice in their food purchases. Recipients can use their EBT benefits like a debit card to buy food at grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers' markets.
Benefits are available for each eligible child in a household to ensure that all children get nutritious meals during the summer.
How can we spread the word?
Schools and nonprofits will play a crucial role in informing families about the Summer EBT program. Find a kit at this link from the USDA with pre-produced Social Media Posts, Newsletters, and more for schools to use!
