CNP summer EBT admin

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services $5.692 million in formula grant funding on October 1, 2025, to administer the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (CFDA 10.646) through September 30, 2026.

The award funds administrative costs for Summer EBT, a federally-assisted program that provides EBT benefits to children who lose access to free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program during summer months when school is not in session. Eligible children are those determined eligible for free or reduced-price school meals in the prior school year or during the summer. Some children are automatically enrolled based on administrative data indicating eligibility; others must apply and be determined eligible. Children receive nutrition benefits loaded onto Summer EBT cards that can be used to purchase food from approved retailers.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, a child entity of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, administers this and other nutrition assistance programs statewide. Summer EBT is a permanent, continually-funded program; Pennsylvania and other states and Indian Tribal Organizations submit management and administrative plans and receive funding approval via Letter of Credit. States may release benefits to recipients as a lump sum or on a monthly basis during their determined summer period. Work is performed in Pennsylvania.