Arkansas to Participate in Summer EBT for 2025
Arkansas has announced its plans to continue the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program in 2025, aiming to provide essential nutritional support to low-income families with school-aged children over the summer break.
What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT, also known as Sun Bucks, is a program designed to bridge the summer hunger gap. This initiative helps families access nutritious food by providing them with grocery-buying benefits on pre-loaded cards. Each eligible child receives 0 worth of benefits, which are meant to supplement other nutrition assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children program).
Key Details
– Eligibility: The program targets low-income families with children who are school-aged.
– Benefits: Each eligible child receives 0 worth of grocery benefits.
– Payment Method: Benefits are distributed in the form of pre-loaded cards that families can use to purchase groceries at participating retailers.
– Program Integration: Summer EBT works in conjunction with other available FNS (Food and Nutrition Service) programs, ensuring consistent access to critical nutrition during school breaks.
2025 Plans
Governor Sanders has announced that Arkansas will participate in the Summer EBT program for 2025. This decision was made pending further legislative approval. The continued participation aims to help alleviate food insecurity and ensure that children have access to nutritious meals when they are not receiving them through school meals.
How to Get Help
For more information or to inquire about the program details, residents can contact the Summer EBT helpline at 1-833-316-2421. This service will be available to assist families in navigating the benefits and understanding how to use the pre-loaded cards effectively.
The seamless integration of these benefits with existing programs like SNAP and WIC highlights Arkansas’ commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring no child goes hungry during the summer months. As the state prepares for this initiative, it’s clear that the Summer EBT program remains a vital component in combating summer hunger among low-income families.
