Programs News

Children in Nevada are set to receive permanent food assistance even after being out of school this summer. According to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Households in Nevada will now receive the benefits in 2024.

Nevada submitted its intent to participate in the program to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) before the January 1 deadline.

This Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program will provide $40 to families every month so that they can buy food for their children from grocery stores or authorized retailers. 22 states are joining the Nevada Summer EBT Program including California, Arizona, and Utah.

After lawmakers agreed to $28 Million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds towards school meals, all children in Nevada will receive free universal meals throughout 2024.

The Summer EBT Program will work the same as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to USDA, children who will qualify for free school meals will automatically be eligible for Summer EBT as well.

Children participating in other programs such as SNAP will also be eligible for additional summer benefits. Summer EBT is the first federal nutrition program passed by Congress in decades.

The funds for the Summer EBT program are provided by the federal government but the states also cover half of the administrative costs. Once the program gets implemented nationwide, the program is expected to benefit more than 29 Million children which in turn will reduce food insecurity among the most vulnerable households.

Summer EBT is designed to supplement, not replace, existing federal programs aimed at providing food assistance to eligible children during the summer. These existing programs include group meal services at central locations and options like grab-n-go or home-delivered meals, particularly in rural areas.