Federal Grant Award Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the New Mexico Health Care Authority $35.16 million through the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (CFDA 10.646) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This formula grant provides electronic benefit transfer (EBT) benefits to eligible low-income children in New Mexico during summer months when school is not in session, enabling them to purchase food from approved retailers after losing access to free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

Under this award, the New Mexico Health Care Authority administers the identification of eligible children through administrative data from prior school year meal eligibility determinations or direct application processes, processes benefit enrollments, distributes benefits via EBT cards, and maintains required three-year record retention compliance. Benefits may be distributed as lump-sum payments or on a monthly basis according to the state's designated summer period. Award funding covers both administrative costs and benefit distribution necessary to reduce hunger and food insecurity among vulnerable populations during the summer break period.