CNP SME EBT benefits non appr

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Rhode Island Department of Human Services $12,291,360 on October 1, 2025, under the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (CFDA 10.646) to provide nutrition benefits to eligible children during summer months when school meals are unavailable.

Under this formula grant, Rhode Island loads Summer EBT benefits onto cards for children determined eligible for free or reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program. Eligible children include those identified through state administrative data indicating prior school year eligibility, as well as those who apply and are determined eligible during summer. Benefits can be used to purchase food from approved retailers.

The award period runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with performance in Rhode Island. This is a continual permanent program rather than a time-limited competitive grant; funding is determined annually by the federal government, and the state may distribute assistance as a lump sum or on a monthly basis throughout its defined summer period. The state must retain records for three years after submission of certification data for each fiscal year.