CNP SME EBT benefits non appr

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the New Mexico Health Care Authority $35.16 million on October 1, 2025, under the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (CFDA 10.646), with performance through September 30, 2026.

The Summer EBT program provides nutrition 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. Eligible children receive benefits loaded onto EBT cards for purchasing food from approved retailers. Eligibility includes children determined eligible for free or reduced price school meals in the prior school year or during the summer; states may auto-enroll children identified through administrative data or process applications for those not administratively identifiable.

New Mexico Health Care Authority, a division of the state Department of Human Services and the designated single state agency for federal nutrition programs in New Mexico, administers the award statewide. The agency may release assistance as a lump sum or on a monthly basis through its determined summer period. Recipients must retain records for three years after submission of certification data for each fiscal year.

The assistance type is a formula grant. Summer EBT is a permanent federal program with annual funding determinations; no cost extension provisions do not apply.