Utah launches Summer EBT program to support low-income families with $120 benefits per child

The January 31, 2025, meeting of the Utah State Board of Education focused on updates regarding the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, aimed at providing nutritional assistance to low-income families during the summer months when school meals are not available. The session was led by Kim Loveland, the director of Child Nutrition Programs, alongside Tammy Walker and Natalie Barfus from the Department of Workforce Services.

Loveland opened the meeting by outlining the purpose of the Summer EBT program, which is also referred to as SUN Bucks. This initiative is designed to complement existing summer meal programs by offering electronic benefit cards to eligible students. Each card will provide $120 per child for the summer, which families can use at participating grocery stores and farmers markets.

The eligibility criteria for the program were discussed in detail. Students must be enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and must have been approved for free or reduced-price meals during the specified timeframe. Loveland provided examples to clarify how students could qualify, emphasizing the importance of timely applications for benefits.

A significant aspect of the meeting was the establishment of a data-sharing agreement between the Utah State Board of Education and the Department of Workforce Services. This agreement is crucial for collecting necessary data while ensuring compliance with federal regulations, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Loveland reassured attendees that families would have the option to opt out of data sharing through a statement included in the free and reduced-price meal applications.

The timeline for data collection was also outlined, with efforts set to begin in mid-April 2025. The goal is to identify approximately 200,000 eligible children for the program, with ongoing data collection extending through the end of August.

The meeting concluded with a question-and-answer session, addressing concerns about direct certification students and their opt-out options. Loveland and her team reiterated their commitment to transparency and support for families as they navigate the new program.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts of various state agencies to implement the Summer EBT program effectively, ensuring that low-income families have access to essential nutrition during the summer months.