EBT - Electronic Benefits Transfer

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participant to pay for food using SNAP benefits. SNAP offers nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and families. Apply for SNAP.

SNAP IN SCHOOLS outreach has begun in Chesapeake Public Schools!

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is working to ensure every eligible student has access to nutritious foods for better learning.

What is SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of families so they can purchase healthy food options to enjoy at home

What is SNAP IN SCHOOLS?

SNAP IN SCHOOLS bridges the food insecurity gap among school-age children across the Commonwealth. The goal is to increase participation in the SNAP for school-age children through partnerships with the VDOE and local education agencies.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

SNAP benefits are calculated based on household size, income, expenses, and other nonfinancial criteria. Families are encouraged to visit CommonHelp.virginia.gov to check their eligibility and apply online.

CommonHelp.Virginia.gov

What is CEP?

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) allows eligible schools to provide breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students at no cost. Meal benefit applications do not need to be submitted at CEP schools, allowing more students to access nutritious meals and reducing paperwork for parents and staff.

We are excited to announce that Chesapeake Public Schools now has 24 schools that fall under CEP. This provision allows all students enrolled at those schools to receive breakfast and lunch meals at no cost without having to submit a meal application.

CEP Schools in Chesapeake

Benefits of Summer-EBT

Help parents and caregivers buy healthy foods for their children.
Give families the flexibility to select foods that fit their culture and lifestyle.
Improve food security and diet quality for participating children.

A photo of a lunch tray with a student lunch on it.

SUN Bucks

Students without previously established NSLP eligibility by one of these methods, and whose family size and income meets the USDA NSLP income eligibility guidelines, will have the opportunity to apply for Summer EBT directly through the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) later this summer. This includes students attending a CEP school who have not been determined eligible by DC or categorical eligibility. All students in a CEP school are NOT automatically eligible for Summer EBT. VDSS will accept applications by phone or on a paper form that will be available for download from their website and submitted by mail. Chesapeake Public Schools will not be responsible for accepting or approving SEBT only applications. Households can apply for benefits in July 2024 by visiting www.virginiasunbucks.com