CNP summer EBT admin

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Minnesota Department of Education $972,644 on October 1, 2025, under the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (CFDA 10.646). The award funds administrative activities supporting Summer EBT operations in Minnesota through September 30, 2026.

Summer EBT provides electronic benefit transfer cards to children who lose access to free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program during summer recess. Eligible children are those determined eligible for free or reduced-price school meals in the prior school year or during the summer. Benefits are loaded onto EBT cards and can be used to purchase food from approved retailers. Some children are automatically enrolled based on administrative data indicating eligibility; others must apply and be determined eligible.

The Minnesota Department of Education, a state government entity overseeing public education, administers the program at the state level. The funding is formula-based, with annual determination at the federal level. States may distribute assistance as a lump sum or monthly according to their designated summer period. Grant recipients must retain records for three years after fiscal year certification data submission. This is a permanent, continual program rather than a time-limited competitive grant.