New grocery benefits program for students coming this summer
April 17, 2024
Beginning this year, the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT or S-EBT) program will provide eligible families with $120 per eligible student through a one-time payment, equating to $40 per month of summer break. Benefits will come in the form of pre-loaded cards that families can use to purchase groceries.
Eligible students include those who qualify for free or reduced-price meals in school or those with families who receive assistance such as SNAP benefits, Medicaid, or Colorado Works (TANF). Qualifying children will be enrolled automatically if already signed up for any of the above programs. Learn more about Summer EBT, including eligibility.
Since the daily benefits only equate to about $1.33 per child during the summer months, this new program will be in addition to summer meal sites that offer breakfasts, lunches, and snacks to any youth under 18 years old.
The new program is administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), in partnership with the Colorado Department of Education. Network partners can access and use their Summer EBT outreach toolkit, with materials available in English and Spanish.