USDA recently approved Arkansas’ 2024 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) plan. The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) will manage and provide oversight of the program, which will provide funds for meals to students during the summer when school is not in session.
Students who are already individually approved to receive free or reduced-priced meals or who are eligible for SNAP or TEA benefits will automatically receive $40 a month for three months ($120 total) on an EBT card.
For students who are not already individually approved for free or reduced-priced meals or who are not eligible for SNAP or TEA benefits, their parents/guardians must complete an application, and approval will be based on household income. This includes students attending a Provision 2 or Community Eligibility Provision school. The household income guidelines for eligibility are the same as those for free and reduced-price meals.
Application Process:
If you did not fill out a lunch application for your student(s) at the beginning of the year, you can still see if your child qualifies to receive the EBT card. Parents of students who are not automatically eligible can access the Summer EBT application online or go to a DHS county office to pick up an application. The completed application must be returned to the county DHS office.