Unlocking Summer Nutrition: Michigan's Groundbreaking EBT Program

In a groundbreaking move, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching a first-of-its-kind Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program aimed at ensuring children across the state have access to healthy food during the summer months when school is out. This innovative initiative promises to provide much-needed assistance to nearly 900,000 eligible children, empowering families and addressing a critical gap in food security.

Empowering Families, Nourishing Futures

Bridging the Summer Nutrition Gap

The Summer EBT program represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenge of food insecurity that many families face during the summer months. When school is out, children often lose access to the meals they rely on during the academic year, leaving parents and guardians to shoulder the additional burden of providing for their nutritional needs. This program aims to alleviate that burden by providing a 0 per-child food assistance benefit, ensuring that eligible families have the resources they need to keep their children well-fed and healthy throughout the summer.

Expanding Eligibility and Access

The program's eligibility criteria are designed to reach a wide range of families in need. Children between the ages of 6 and 18 who are part of households receiving Food Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or eligible Medical Assistance benefits, as well as students certified for free or reduced-price lunch through the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, are all eligible to receive the Summer EBT benefits. This comprehensive approach ensures that the program's impact is felt across diverse communities, providing a vital safety net for those who need it most.

Seamless Integration and Automatic Enrollment

To make the process as seamless as possible, MDHHS is working closely with the Michigan Department of Education to identify eligible families and distribute the funds. Eligible families will receive a letter informing them of the program, and in many cases, the benefits will be automatically added to their existing Bridge cards, eliminating the need for additional paperwork or application processes. This streamlined approach ensures that the assistance reaches the intended recipients quickly and efficiently, minimizing barriers to access.

Complementing Existing Food Assistance Programs

The Summer EBT program is designed to work in tandem with other food assistance initiatives, such as the Summer Food Service Program (also known as Meet Up and Eat Up in Michigan) and the Rural Non-Congregate Summer Food Service Program. By leveraging these existing resources, the state can provide a comprehensive network of support, ensuring that families have multiple avenues to access the nutrition they need during the summer months.

A Collaborative Effort for Lasting Impact

The successful implementation of the Summer EBT program is the result of a collaborative effort between state and federal agencies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service approved Michigan's plan for the program, which was created by the U.S. Congress and based on similar initiatives developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-jurisdictional cooperation demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting the well-being of children across the state.

Empowering Families, Nourishing Futures

The launch of the Summer EBT program in Michigan represents a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to ensure that all children have access to the nutrition they need to thrive. By providing direct financial assistance to eligible families, this innovative initiative empowers parents and guardians to make informed choices about their children's diets, fostering healthier outcomes and brighter futures. As the program takes effect, it promises to have a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of Michigan families, setting a precedent for other states to follow in the pursuit of equitable and comprehensive summer food assistance.