Over 500,000 Maryland kids can breathe a sigh of relief this summer. Hunger won’t be on the menu, thanks to the recently greenlit Summer EBT Program, a beacon of hope for low-income families navigating the often-bumpy road of school breaks, who will get assistance with these food stamps.
For families already enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), an extra $40 per school-aged child will magically appear on their EBT cards. This welcome boost addresses a stark reality – consistent access to healthy food is a constant struggle for many kids in rural Maryland.
The Summer EBT Program SNAP to Become Permanent
But this isn’t another fleeting pandemic flash. Congress, in a rare display of bipartisanship, has granted the program permanent funding. “Just like learning, children’s growth and development don’t take a summer vacation,” says Julie Fletcher, Executive Director of the Office of School & Community Nutrition Programs at the Maryland State Department of Education. “This gives families another tool to nourish their children during these crucial formative years.”
Imagine the relief on a parent’s face knowing their child won’t go hungry while school’s out. The additional cash, seamlessly loaded onto existing EBT cards, translates to fresh fruits, nutritious vegetables, and the comfort of knowing a healthy meal is within reach.
While the Summer EBT Program is a game-changer, it doesn’t replace the USDA’s traditional summer food service program. School districts and community organizations can still apply to operate summer meal sites, offering another critical layer of support.
The SNAP Benefits Amounts Increments for 2024
The USDA maintains the effectiveness of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through regular reviews and adjustments to its parameters. Each federal fiscal year, starting on October 1, sees updates to maximum allotments, deductions, and income eligibility standards to adapt to the evolving cost of living.
In the 2024 Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), maximum allotments have increased, with a family of four in the 48 states and D.C. now receiving $973. Alaska’s figures range from $1,248 to $1,937, while Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands have maximum allotments of $1,434 and $1,251, respectively. These adjustments align SNAP benefits with the changing cost of living to provide essential support for families in maintaining a basic standard of living.
The magic number that fascinates some is $1,751, which is the maximum amount that a family of eight members can receive, according to USDA standards. From that size, you can apply to receive up to $219 for each additional household member that’s included.
What is the maximum allotment for a family of 8 members in the SNAP program?
The maximum monthly allotment for a family of 8 members in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is $1,751. After the first 8 people, each additional person in the household contributes an additional $219 to the total benefit amount
How does the Summer SNAP EBT program complement the USDA’s traditional summer food service program?
The Summer SNAP EBT program complements the USDA’s traditional Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) by providing additional support to families with school-aged children during the summer when schools are closed and access to school meals is not available. Here’s how the two programs work together:
- SFSP: The SFSP offers no-cost healthy meals and snacks to children and teens in low-income communities at summer sites, often with enrichment activities. In some rural communities, meals may be provided via grab-n-go or delivery.
- Summer EBT: The Summer EBT program, starting in 2024, will provide grocery-buying benefits to low-income families with school-aged children during the summer. Families will receive $40 per eligible child, per month, on pre-loaded cards that can be used to purchase groceries. This program is modeled after the Pandemic EBT and is proven to reduce child hunger and improve diet quality.
The two programs complement each other in the following ways:
- Extended Reach: While SFSP provides meals at specific sites, Summer EBT gives families the flexibility to purchase food at various authorized retailers, including grocery stores and farmers’ markets, which can help those who might not be able to reach the meal sites.
- Additional Resources: Summer EBT acts as an additional resource that does not replace SFSP but rather provides extra support to families, ensuring consistent access to nutrition over the summer. This is particularly helpful when local meal sites may not be accessible or convenient for every family.
- Overlap with Other Programs: Families receiving Summer EBT benefits can also participate in other available nutrition assistance programs, such as SNAP and WIC, ensuring multiple layers of support to address food insecurity.
- Flexibility for Families: Summer EBT provides benefits directly to families, allowing them to make food choices that best fit their needs and preferences, which can be particularly beneficial for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Together, these programs aim to ensure that children have access to the nutrition they need throughout the summer, thereby addressing the summer hunger gap and supporting children’s health and well-being.