Summer EBT Program Expands to 38 States and D.C. for 2026, Aiding 21 Million Children

Nationwide Effort to Combat Summer Hunger

The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program, known as SUN Bucks, is poised for a significant expansion in 2026, with 38 states and the District of Columbia officially committing to participate. This federal initiative, announced by the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), is projected to deliver vital grocery benefits to an estimated 21 million children across the United States, addressing food insecurity when school is not in session.

Understanding the Summer EBT Program

The Summer EBT program is a permanent federal initiative established by Congress in December 2022, with nationwide implementation beginning in 2024. Its core purpose is to help low-income families purchase food for school-aged children during the summer months, a period when access to school meals is often limited.

Key aspects of the program include:

• Benefit Amount: Eligible families receive a one-time benefit of $120 per child for the summer period.
• Benefit Delivery: Funds are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which functions similarly to SNAP benefits. These cards can be used at authorized retailers, including grocery stores and farmers markets, to buy nutritious food.
• Eligibility: Children typically qualify if they are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, or if their household receives other income-based assistance such as SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid. Many eligible children are automatically enrolled, while others may need to apply.
• Benefit Expiration: Summer EBT benefits generally have a strict usage window, often 122 days (approximately four months) from the date of issuance, after which unused funds are returned to the federal government.

State Participation and Impact

The commitment from 38 states and the District of Columbia for 2026 marks a substantial effort to leverage federal resources in the fight against childhood hunger. This widespread participation is expected to provide a significant boost to families struggling to afford groceries during the summer. The program also generates local economic activity, as benefits are spent at local food retailers.

However, not all states have opted into the program for 2026. States that have chosen not to participate or remain uncertain include Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. Conversely, Iowa, which had previously explored alternative state-funded programs, has now committed to participating in the federal Summer EBT program for 2026, a move expected to benefit 240,000 children in the state.

Addressing the Summer Nutrition Gap

The Summer EBT program serves as a crucial complement to traditional summer meal programs, which, despite their importance, can face limitations in reach due to factors such as transportation, location, and availability. By providing direct grocery benefits, Summer EBT helps bridge the gap created when children lose access to school breakfasts and lunches, which are often their most reliable meals during the academic year. This direct assistance is a proven method to reduce household food insecurity and improve children's nutrition during the summer months, ensuring they return to school well-nourished and ready to learn.