Minnesota Launches Summer EBT Program, Providing $120 Per Child for Groceries

(KNSI) – Minnesota is giving families some extra money to buy groceries this summer.

Governor Tim Walz announced on Thursday that Minnesota is launching the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Eligible program. Families will receive an extra $120 per child on their EBT cards in July or August. The USDA says more than 400-thousand children in the state will benefit from the program.

“The end of the school year should not mark the start of food scarcity,” said Governor Walz. “This program, which has been a major priority of our administration, provides a boost for families, allowing them to ensure that their children have enough food to keep them going all summer and ready to learn come fall.”

The Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Minnesota IT Services will work together to determine eligibility and get the benefits to children and families across the state.

Families will be automatically enrolled if they qualify for the free or reduced school lunch program or SNAP, Minnesota Family Investment Program, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Foster Care, or Medical Assistance.

Between the summers of 2024 and 2025, the state received $100 million for low-income families with school-age children.

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