LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is offering a brand new food assistance program this summer aimed at giving children access to healthy food while school is out.
The first-time Michigan Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program will provide $120 per child in food assistance for eligible families.
MDHHS estimates that the Summer EBT program could provide assistance to nearly 900,000 kids across the state.
MDHHS says the funds will be distributed ahead of Friday, July 19 and will come in the form of EBT cards.
If you already have a Bridge card, you will receive a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child added to your existing card. If you don't already have a Bridge card, you will be sent a pre-loaded card in the mail.
MDHHS says that eligible families will receive a letter about the program and that most eligible families will receive the benefits automatically based on previous participation in other benefit programs.
MDHHS provided a guide to determine if you and your child are eligible for the Summer EBT program. A child is eligible if they are:
- Household participants, between the ages of 6 to 18, who receive Food Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Food Distribution Program on Indian reservations or eligible Medical Assistance households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
- Students of any age certified as eligible to receive free or reduced-priced lunch through the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.
- Approved through the Summer EBT application process.
“Summer should be a time when children can learn, grow and play without worrying about where their next meal will come from,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). “I’m so proud that the Governor and the State Legislature have acted to make sure every Michigan child has access to healthy meals during the school year.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service approved the state's plan for the Summer EBT program, which was created by the U.S. Congress and based on similar programs created during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MDHHS is working alongside the Michigan Department of Education to identify eligible families and distribute the funds.
Families can also find food assistance this summer via programs like Summer Food Service Program, also known as Meet Up and Eat Up in Michigan, and the Rural Non-Congregate Summer Food Service Program.
You can learn more about the Summer EBT program here.
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