In the first year of implementation of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program (Summer EBT), 2024, two Tribes — the Chickasaw Nation and the Cherokee Nation — successfully distributed benefits for eligible children in the state of Oklahoma. Three additional Tribes — Otoe-Missouria Tribe, Muscogee Creek Nation, and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma — opted in for the second year. While this progress should be celebrated, many Tribes that are interested in participating in Summer EBT are unable to do so because of the unique challenges and barriers they face in implementation. In Improving Summer EBT for Indian Tribal Organizations, you’ll find recommended program changes, including statutory changes and regulatory changes, that will allow more Tribes to distribute benefits and reduce summertime food insecurity.