CNP summer EBT admin

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Alabama State Department of Education $500,000 on October 1, 2025, under the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (CFDA 10.646), a formula grant 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 break.

The award funds administrative costs for Alabama's Summer EBT program. Under this federally-assisted program, Alabama provides EBT benefits on cards to children determined eligible for free or reduced-price school meals in the prior school year or during summer; benefits can be used to purchase food from approved retailers. Children eligible for Summer EBT are automatically enrolled based on state administrative data indicating eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals, or they must apply and be determined eligible. The program objective is to reduce hunger and food insecurity for children during the summer when school is not in session.

The award obligates $500,000 and runs through September 30, 2026, with place of performance in Alabama. As the state agency administering child nutrition programs, the Alabama State Department of Education receives federal Summer EBT dollars and sub-awards them to local educational agencies and school districts statewide. Summer EBT agencies and local educational agencies must retain records for three years after submission of fiscal year certification data. States may release assistance as a lump sum or on a monthly basis through their determined summer period.