Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas families are now able to apply for the state’s Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, designed to support children during the summer months when school meals are unavailable. This initiative comes as part of the state’s continued efforts to address childhood hunger and food insecurity, especially during the long summer break.
The Summer EBT program, which was introduced last year, has already proven to be a lifeline for thousands of Arkansas families. In 2024, the program provided food benefits to 290,000 children across the state. For 2025, the benefits have been expanded, with each eligible child set to receive $120 loaded onto pre-existing EBT cards. The goal is to reach even more children in need, ensuring that they have access to nutritious meals during the summer months when they no longer have access to school-provided breakfasts and lunches.
A significant change to this year’s program is the distribution method for benefits. Families who received Summer EBT benefits last year will have their 2025 funds automatically loaded onto their existing cards, eliminating the need to reapply or wait for new cards. However, for those who were not part of the program last year, new EBT cards will be mailed out. Families who may have misplaced their cards can call (800) 997-9999 to request a replacement.
Governor Sarah Sanders, who signed Arkansas up for the Summer EBT program in 2024, reiterated her commitment to fighting childhood hunger in the state. “No child should ever go hungry. That’s why I signed Arkansas up for Summer EBT last year, serving more than a quarter million kids, and why I signed legislation this session to fund this program into the future and give free school breakfast to every kid in our state,” said Governor Sanders. “Continuing Summer EBT won’t just help us combat childhood food insecurity – it helps us make Arkansas an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Eligibility for the Summer EBT program is straightforward. Children who already receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are automatically eligible. Families who qualify through SNAP will receive notices in the mail informing them of their participation in the program.
However, if a child attends a school where everyone is provided free lunch, an application must be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS). The DHS will determine eligibility based on the family’s income and household size. These applications are available online for convenience, and eligible families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure timely processing and benefits distribution.
Jacob Oliva, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), expressed his support for the initiative, noting the critical role it plays in addressing food insecurity during the summer months. “For many students, school is the only place where they receive a healthy meal, and during the summer months, those insecurities double,” Oliva said. “We are pleased to join Governor Sanders and DHS for the Summer EBT program again this year to help remove some of the food insecurity barriers and ensure students have access to food.”
Read also: Authorities in West Memphis continue investigating body found near Interstate 40
This program is a part of a broader effort to provide consistent support to families in need and ensure that children have the resources they need to thrive. Arkansas’s commitment to addressing childhood hunger is a step in the right direction, but more support is always needed to ensure that no child goes without a meal, particularly during the vulnerable summer months.
Families can find more information and apply for the Summer EBT program on the Arkansas DHS website, where the application process has been streamlined for ease of access. With the program’s success in 2024 and increased efforts for this year, Arkansas continues to make progress in the fight against food insecurity, ensuring that its children remain healthy, nourished, and ready for the school year ahead.
