While the temporary P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer) program has concluded, Virginia will be launching a new, permanent grocery benefits program called Summer EBT in 2024. This initiative aims to provide essential food assistance to families with eligible school-aged children during the summer months when school is not in session.
Understanding Summer EBT in Virginia
Summer EBT is a significant new program designed to combat childhood hunger during the summer break. It builds upon the lessons learned from the temporary P-EBT program, transitioning to a permanent structure to ensure consistent support for families.
How Summer EBT Works
This program provides direct financial support to eligible families to help purchase groceries. Here are the key details for Virginia:
- Benefit Amount: Eligible families will receive $120 for each eligible school-aged child.
- Purpose: The benefits are intended to help families buy groceries when children do not have access to school meals during the summer.
- Launch: The program is set to launch in summer 2024.
Eligibility for Summer EBT
Eligibility for Summer EBT is generally tied to a child's participation in federal nutrition programs during the school year. Typically, children are eligible if they:
- Are enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).
- Are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.
- Are between 6 and 18 years old.
Families who are already receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefits may automatically qualify. For others, specific application processes may be required, which will be communicated by the state.
Key Differences: P-EBT vs. Summer EBT
It's important to understand that while both programs provide food benefits, they differ in their origin and permanence.
| Feature | P-EBT (Pandemic EBT) | Summer EBT (2024 Onward) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Temporary COVID-19 relief | Permanent federal program |
| Purpose | Address pandemic-related hunger | Combat summer child hunger |
| Eligibility | Tied to school closures/reduced attendance during pandemic | Tied to free/reduced-price school meal eligibility during summer |
| Status in 2024 | Concluded | Launching in Virginia |
| Benefit Delivery | EBT card | EBT card (typical) |
Summer EBT represents a crucial step in establishing a permanent safety net for families, ensuring children have access to nutritious food even when school is out.
How to Access Benefits
Eligible families will typically receive benefits on an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card, similar to how SNAP benefits are distributed. This card can be used at most grocery stores and farmers' markets that accept SNAP.
For more detailed information on the Summer EBT program and its implementation, families should refer to official resources from the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) or the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
- Learn more about the national Summer EBT program from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
