CNP summer EBT admin

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded $5.827 million to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services on October 1, 2025, under the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (CFDA 10.646), with performance through September 30, 2026.

The award funds Summer EBT administrative costs in North Carolina. Under this program, the state provides EBT benefits loaded onto Summer EBT cards to children who lose access to free and reduced price meals through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program during summer break. Eligible children include 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. Benefits are used to purchase food from approved retailers. The program reduces hunger and food insecurity among eligible children during the non-school period.

Performance occurs in North Carolina. This is a formula grant under a continual permanent program; federal funding is determined annually, and states may release assistance as a lump sum or on a monthly basis. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, as the state's administering agency, must submit management and administrative plans for funding approval via Letter of Credit and retain records for three years after submission of fiscal year certification data.