Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced the launch of the Summer EBT program, providing additional food assistance to low-income families with children during the summer months. This initiative aims to ensure children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals continue to have access to nutritious food when school is out.

The program offers a one-time benefit of $120 per child, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These funds can be used to purchase groceries, addressing food insecurity among children from households earning at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level.

Governor Pritzker emphasized the importance of combating child hunger year-round, highlighting the adverse effects of food insecurity on children’s development and academic performance. Initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic as a temporary measure, the success of the program led Congress to make it permanent in 2022.

Stacy Dean, USDA Deputy Undersecretary, noted that rigorous research supports the effectiveness of Summer EBT in reducing hunger and increasing the intake of nutritious foods among children.

Eligible children include those enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, or the state’s foster care system. Families not participating in these programs but meeting income guidelines can apply through schools involved in the National School Lunch Program.

The benefits will be distributed via electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards, with funds added to existing Link cards for families already enrolled in SNAP or TANF. New cards will be issued to other qualifying families by the Illinois Department of Human Services.