MDHHS issues more than $118 million to Michigan children for summer food assistance benefits

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is providing more than $118 million in food benefits to 983,531 students through its new Michigan Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program.

"We want to ensure children are able to access healthy food this summer while school is out," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "Eligible families are receiving $120 per child through this program to bolster their grocery buying budgets."

Created by the U.S. Congress, the Summer EBT program is based on similar efforts used during the coronavirus pandemic to address food insecurity for students. MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) are working together to get these benefits to families across the state.

Benefits will come in the form of EBT cards that families can use to buy groceries. Families who already have a Bridge card will have a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child, the standard benefit amount set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the 2024 program year, added to their existing card. Those who don't already have a card will be sent a pre-loaded card in the mail. Eligible families will receive a letter about the program.

A child is eligible for Summer EBT 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.

A recent announcement by Meijer will help stretch these food benefits even further, as the retailer is doubling a milk discount it offers Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-eligible participant. Meijer is increasing its discount to 40% off any brand or size of 1% or fat free milk in an ongoing effort to increase access to healthy foods and beverages.

Additional programs designed to feed children during the summer months include the MDE-administered program like the Summer Food Service Program, also known as Meet Up and Eat Up in Michigan, and the Rural Non-Congregate Summer Food Service Program.

For more information, visit the Summer EBT page on the MDHHS website.

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