A new initiative, the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT), offered by 35 states is set to aid nearly 21 million children in receiving adequate nutrition during the summer months.

According to a press release by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Summer EBT program is expected to distribute nearly $2.5 billion in grocery benefits. The program aims to assist around 70% of the total population of eligible children. Each family will receive $120 per eligible child through this new initiative during the summer for food purchases at various grocery stores and other authorized retailers. Multi-year demonstration studies have shown that providing food aid during the summer reduces child hunger and enhances diet quality among assisted children.

The USDA press release further estimates that children facing severe food insecurity will decrease by approximately one-third due to this new program. Moreover, their dietary quality will improve as they can now readily incorporate vegetables, fruits, and whole grain options into their meals. While only 35 states currently participate in the program, USDA's objective is to extend it across all 50 states, thereby reducing substandard food options for American children. States not yet participating in the program will have an opportunity to opt-in by 2025 to support underprivileged children within their jurisdictions.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said, "Summer grocery benefits are becoming a reality for many communities across the nation and for tens of millions of children who will receive the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and thrive." He continued, "We applaud all the leaders and partners who are stepping up to make the program’s inaugural year a success. Together we’re making progress in closing the summer hunger gap and ensuring children are nourished and healthy year-round."