CNP summer EBT admin

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Arkansas Department of Human Services $2,711,032 on October 1, 2025, under the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (CFDA 10.646) to administer Summer EBT benefits in Arkansas.

The award funds the provision of 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 recess. Eligible children receive nutrition benefits loaded onto Summer EBT cards usable to purchase food from approved retailers. Children are identified for eligibility through administrative data indicating prior free or reduced price school meal eligibility, or through application and determination during the summer period.

The Arkansas Department of Human Services' Office of Finance administers the program. Work is performed in Arkansas with a period of performance from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The funding is assistance type Formula Grant, obligated at $2,711,032. Summer EBT is a permanent federal program; states receive annual funding determinations and may distribute benefits as lump sum or monthly disbursements. The recipient must retain records for three years following submission of fiscal year certification data.