CNP SME EBT benefits non appr

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded $17.01 million to the Department of Human Services Hawaii on October 1, 2025, under the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (CFDA 10.646). The award funds the delivery of EBT benefits to eligible children in Hawaii who lose access to free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program during summer when school is not in session. Eligible children receive nutrition benefits loaded onto Summer EBT cards for purchasing food from approved retailers; eligibility is determined based on prior-year free or reduced-price meal qualification or summer application and determination. The period of performance runs through September 30, 2026, with all work performed in Hawaii. The Department of Human Services Hawaii, a child organization of the University of Hawaii Systems, serves as the state administrator for federally mandated social service and nutrition assistance programs. Summer EBT is a permanent federal program with annual funding determination; states release assistance as lump sum or monthly distributions aligned to their determined summer service periods.