Formula Grant 261MD403N1175

The Maryland Department of Human Services received a formula grant award of $76.2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program for Children (CFDA 10.646), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Under this award, the department administers nutrition assistance benefits to eligible low-income children during summer months when school is not in session, delivering electronic benefit transfer cards that children use to purchase food from approved retailers. The program targets children who lose access to free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

The funding supports both the distribution of nutrition benefits to eligible children and the associated administrative and management operations necessary to identify eligible participants, process enrollments, maintain EBT card infrastructure, and ensure three-year record retention compliance. Eligible children are identified through administrative data from prior school year meal eligibility determinations or through direct application during the summer period. The Maryland Department of Human Services may distribute benefits as lump-sum payments or on a monthly basis according to the state's designated summer period, with funding allocated through a Letter of Credit mechanism contingent upon submission and approval of management and administrative plans.