CNP SME EBT benefits non appr

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services $8.4 million on October 1, 2025, under the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (CFDA 10.646) to provide EBT benefits to children who lose access to free and reduced price meals during the summer when school is not in session.

The recipient distributes nutrition benefits loaded onto Summer EBT cards that eligible children use to purchase food from approved retailers. Eligible children are those determined eligible for free or reduced price school meals in the prior school year or during the summer; some are automatically enrolled based on state administrative data, while others must apply and be determined eligible. Benefits may be released as a lump sum or distributed on a monthly basis throughout the state's determined summer period.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Business & Financial Services Division administers this award as Montana's designated state administering agency for federal nutrition and human services programs. The award runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with performance in Montana. This is a formula grant under a continual permanent program; funding is determined on an annual basis at the federal level. The recipient must retain records for three years after submission of fiscal year certification data and comply with single audit requirements under 2 CFR Part 200.