West Virginia (WOAY)- A federal initiative aimed at combating child hunger during the summer months is expected to benefit millions of children across the United States.
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program will provide families with $120 per eligible child to help cover the cost of food during the summer break.
This financial support can be used to purchase food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers, giving families the flexibility to buy what they need most.
Eligibility for the program includes children who attend schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and who live in households with incomes at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
Children 6 to 17 who already receive federal assistance, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), WV Works, or certain types of Medicaid, are automatically eligible for Summer EBT benefits.
The program also extends to youth in particularly vulnerable situations, including those who are homeless, migrants, runaways, or in foster care.
These children do not need to fill out an application to receive benefits.
Families can apply for Summer EBT online at schoolcafe.com or by visiting their local Department of Human Services office to pick up an application.
Families can also download an application at dhhr.wv.gov.
