Summer EBT is a program that helps families get groceries during the summer when school meals are not available.

If your family already gets benefits like 3SquaresVT, you'll be enrolled automatically in the Summer EBT program. If your family isn't automatically enrolled, you can apply online when applications open in August.

Your kids automatically get benefits if:

• They are between 6 - 16 years old and get Medicaid with a qualifying family income, 3SquaresVT, or Reach Up; or,
• They are younger than 6 or older than 16 years old, but attend a Vermont public school or an independent school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and live in a home that gets Medicaid with a qualifying family income, 3SquaresVT, or Reach Up.

If families already have an EBT card, their Summer EBT benefits will be added to it. If they qualify but don't have a card, they will get a new card.

Families automatically enrolled will be notified by a letter in the mail in July.nFamilies will get $120 per eligible child for healthy summer foods.

Benefits can be used at qualified retailers to buy healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, whole grains and dairy. You can go to grocery stores, online retailers and farmers' markets.

Summer EBT will help families stretch their grocery budget in the summer. It will help give children the nutrition they need to thrive.

For more information, visit the State of Vermont’s Summer EBT website.

There are also free summer meals for school-aged kids. Check the Hunger Free Vermont website for details.