CNP summer EBT admin

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the CNMI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs $453,643 on October 1, 2025, under the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (CFDA 10.646) to administer Summer EBT benefits in the Northern Mariana Islands through September 30, 2026.

Summer EBT provides electronic benefit transfer cards loaded with 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 recess. Eligible children are those determined eligible for free or reduced price school meals in the prior school year or during summer. Benefits may be used to purchase food from approved retailers. The program aims to reduce hunger and food insecurity among school-age children during the summer months when school meal programs are not in operation.

The recipient administers the program as a territorial government entity serving the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. DCCA receives funding on an annual basis and may distribute benefits as a lump sum or on a monthly basis during the determined summer period. The award is a formula grant under a permanent federal program, not subject to competitive selection or no-cost extension provisions. Administrative records must be retained for three years following submission of annual certification data.