Students directly certified for free or reduced-price meals through matching to the SNAP, TANF, Medicaid income-eligible, or foster care data in the DC file are eligible.
Students extended DC eligibility from another student in the household are eligible.
Students determined free eligible through categorical eligibility without application because of their status as homeless, migrant, runaway, foster care placement, are eligible.
Students determined free or reduced-price eligible by a meal application are eligible.
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.
Virginia Launches New Program to Improve Food Access for Kids During Summer Break!
In summer 2024, Virginia will launch Summer EBT, a new grocery benefits program that will provide families $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is not in session. Summer is a time when many children lose access to the free and reduced-price meals they get at school, and when households might need a little extra help putting meals on the table. Most families will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply.
Eligibility and Enrollment
Summer EBT Eligibility for students attending non-CEP schools
Summer EBT Eligibility for students attending CEP schools
Students directly certified for free or reduced-price meals through matching to the SNAP, TANF, Medicaid income-eligible, or foster care data in the DC file are eligible for Summer EBT.
Students extended free or reduced-price DC eligibility from another student in the household are eligible.
Students determined free eligible through categorical eligibility without application because of their status as homeless, migrant, runaway, foster care placement, are eligible.
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.
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.
