Media Contact:
Jordan Baker
jbaker@frac.org
202-640-1118
The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) calls on states to opt in to Summer EBT by the January 1 deadline to combat rising child hunger rates
WASHINGTON, December 16, 2024 — Nearly 10 million children face the risk of going hungry next summer unless states take action to participate in the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) Program.
With the January 1 Notice of Intent deadline fast approaching, 12 states are positioned to walk away from a combined $1.14 billion in federal funding — money that could provide a crucial lifeline to struggling families across the nation.
“Summer can be the hungriest time for children,” said Crystal FitzSimons, FRAC’s interim president. “This funding is an opportunity for states to ensure children have access to the nutrition they need to grow, thrive, and return to school ready to learn. No child should have to go hungry during the summer months, especially when solutions like Summer EBT exist.”
The Summer EBT Program complements existing Summer Nutrition Programs, which provide meals and often enrichment opportunities but currently reach only a fraction of children in need.
In summer 2024, the Summer EBT Program bridged the gap for an estimated 21 million children in the 37 states, The District of Columbia, all U.S. territories, and two tribes that implemented the program, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. FRAC calls on all states to adopt the program in 2025. Opting in to Summer EBT is not just about combating hunger — it also drives local economic benefits. Families use their benefits at local grocery stores, stimulating community economies while addressing food insecurity.
“Summer EBT should be a no-brainer for states, especially with the rising cost of food and families struggling to make ends meet,” said FitzSimons. “No child should spend the summer months hungry, and no parent should have to worry about how to feed their children. The stakes are too high for states to sit this one out.”
View FRAC’s state fact sheets for a detailed breakdown of the potential impact of Summer EBT, including the number of children eligible and the economic benefits for each state.
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The Food Research & Action Center improves the nutrition, health, and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the United States through advocacy, partnerships, and by advancing bold and equitable policy solutions. To learn more, visit FRAC.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
