For thousands of children across the District, the end of the school year means more than a break from the classroom. Summer break means losing access to healthy breakfasts and lunches they rely on during the school day. During the summer months, families often face higher grocery bills while children lose a dependable source of nutritious meals.
The third summer of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) Program is currently underway. Thirty-eight states, the District of Columbia, five Indian Tribal Organizations, and five U.S. territories are at work sending millions of families across the country grocery benefits that can help ensure their children remain fed throughout the summer months. Despite being a newer program, best practices around multiple aspects of implementation have already begun to emerge, and increasing redemption rates is an important part of ensuring the program’s success.
Summer should be a time for children to explore new interests, stay active, and continue learning in safe and supportive environments. National Summer Learning Week, observed July 6–10, is an opportunity to highlight the importance of summer programs and the role they play in supporting children, families, and communities. It is also a time to recognize that for many families, summer brings challenges: ensuring children continue to have access to nutritious meals when school is out.