Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton and Office of Public Instruction (OPI) Superintendent Elsie Arntzen have announced the introduction of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program in Montana. This initiative, set to commence in June 2024, aims to support families during school summer breaks by providing grocery-buying benefits.
“DPHHS is committed to partnering with OPI to ensure children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months,” stated Brereton. The announcement follows Montana's submission of its intent to participate in the program to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) on November 9, 2023. States are required to submit a program management plan by February 15, 2024.
Authorized by Congress as a permanent program on December 23, 2022, Summer EBT is funded entirely by federal resources. It targets low-income families with school-aged children eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). Superintendent Arntzen commented, “The Summer EBT program is another tool that families can use when school doors are closed.”
Eligible families will receive $40 per child monthly throughout June, July, and August. Approximately 170,000 children are expected to qualify based on NSLP participation data from the 2022-23 school year.
Families interested in participating should contact their schools if they do not currently receive meal benefits but wish to apply for Summer EBT. DPHHS will lead federal interactions while OPI manages application processes and eligibility validation.
The evidence-based policy has shown positive impacts in reducing child hunger and promoting healthier diets during summer months.
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