Pennsylvania’s Summer-EBT Program: A Lifeline for Kids’ Nutrition During School Break

SummerImage by Jill Wellington

HARRISBURG, PA — In an effort to address child food insecurity, the Departments of Human Services (DHS) and Education (PDE) in Pennsylvania recently announced the operation of the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer-EBT) program in the summer of 2024. This initiative will allow children to access nutritious meals during the summer months when school is not in session.

“Healthy, nutritious meals are vital to the overall health and success of all of Pennsylvania’s children, and the Shapiro Administration knows they cannot and should not be expected to go without meals and the basic resources they need to succeed, regardless of the time of year,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh.

The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated, as research shows that good nutrition directly influences children’s cognitive development, physical growth, and academic performance. It is well established that children who are well-nourished can concentrate better and perform more complex tasks at school. Conversely, nutrient deficiencies can hinder not only physical growth but also brain development and immune function, leading to cognitive impairments and increased vulnerability to infections.

Moreover, during the summer months, many children lose access to the school meals that fill critical gaps in their diets. The Summer-EBT program, created by the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, addresses this issue head-on. It provides school-aged children who are income eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) with an additional source of nutrition during the summer months.

Under the Summer-EBT program, each eligible child will receive a total benefit of $120 to cover June, July, and August. The benefits will be issued on a family’s existing EBT card, or a new card will be provided to newly eligible families.

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The program is expected to benefit between 600,000 to 900,000 children based on their eligibility for Free or Reduced-Priced meals under the NSLP. Eligible children include those who have been determined income eligible for Free or Reduced-Priced meals under the NSLP through their school, those who are categorically eligible for NSLP because they are a foster child, homeless, or a runaway, and children who are eligible for Free or Reduced-Priced meals under the NSLP through direct certification.

This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the Commonwealth to combat food insecurity among students. The 2023-24 budget includes a $46.5 million increase to provide universal free breakfast to Pennsylvania’s 1.7 million public school students, ensuring every student, regardless of income, can start their day right.

As most eligible children will be automatically enrolled in the Summer-EBT program, only a limited number of families will need to submit an application to DHS’ County Assistance Offices. The DHS will release further details about the application process in the coming months.

While the Summer-EBT program is a significant step toward ensuring no child goes hungry during the summer months, it also underscores the importance of schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs. Schools that do not currently participate in these programs are encouraged to apply, ensuring that every child has access to the nutrition they need to thrive, both acadically and physically.

Pennsylvania’s Summer EBT program represents a crucial investment in the health and future of the Commonwealth’s children. By ensuring access to nutritious food year-round, the state is taking a decisive step towards enhancing the well-being and academic success of its young citizens.

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Additional information on the Summer-EBT program can be found here.

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