
Summer EBT
Eligible families get a boost in their grocery budget when school is out each summer.

What is the Summer EBT program?
Summer EBT is a federal program that supports families who lose access to free school meals over the summer months. Families will receive an allotment of $120 for each eligible child to help cover the cost of groceries when school is out of session. Similar to SNAP (Basic Food), Summer EBT can be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other locations.
Summer EBT is administered by the Kentucky Department of Education.
Who is Eligible?
Summer EBT is available to school-aged children in Kentucky each summer. Eligibility is determined by household income. There is no citizenship requirement, and Summer EBT is not considered under the public charge rule.
There are multiple ways that families can have their income verified for Summer EBT eligibility. Expand the options below to learn
Preparing for Summer 2025
Eligible families can get a boost in their grocery budget each summer when school is out of session.
Apply for Free & Reduced Price School Meals (if not a CEP school) – very few schools do not participate in CEP which does away with the need for F/R applications. HIF forms cannot be used for enrollment in Summer EBT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer EBT Benefits
After a child is confirmed as eligible, their Summer EBT card will be loaded with a $120 benefit. Newly eligible children will receive their Summer EBT card by mail. These cards can be used to buy groceries at any retailer that accepts SNAP (Basic Food).
Summer EBT expires four months from the issuance date. Families have 122 days to use the funds before they become invalid. To maximize benefits, families should use Summer EBT before other resources like SNAP (Basic Food/EBT).

Eligble at Kentucky Farmer’s Markets
In Kentucky, Summer EBT benefits can be used at farmers markets that accept SNAP. You can also use SNAP benefits at these markets through Kentucky Double Dollars.
How to use Summer EBT at farmers markets
- Swipe your Summer EBT card at the market information booth or
- Use your benefits to purchase fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods
About Feeding Kentucky
Feeding Kentucky is the state’s largest charitable response to hunger, working collectively to create a hunger-free Kentucky. Our network of seven Feeding America food banks provides food and groceries to Kentuckians facing hunger in all 120 counties. Through more than 900 partner food pantries and meal programs, we reach an estimated 1 in 7 Kentuckians each year. We focus on addressing child hunger, sourcing food from our Kentucky farmers, and advocating for policies that reflect the needs of our neighbors. Guided by our vision, we want all people in Kentucky to have access to enough food to thrive.