More Arkansas Children Enrolled in Summer EBT Program for 2025

About 325,000 Arkansas children have qualified for the Summer EBT program this year, a significant increase from last summer’s 293,000 participants. The program provides $120 per child to help families buy groceries during the summer months when children no longer receive free or reduced-price school meals.

Administered by the Arkansas Department of Human Services and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Summer EBT is one of three summer food programs aimed at reducing child hunger. The Department of Education and organizations like the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance are helping with outreach and enrollment.

Children qualify if their families meet income requirements for school meal programs or receive SNAP or welfare benefits. Students who attended Head Start or Early Head Start at any point during the past school year are also eligible. Each child receives an individual EBT card, and benefits expire 122 days after being loaded.

The application deadline is August 25. Families can apply at ar.gov/SummerEBT, call 1-833-316-2421 for general questions, or 1-800-997-9999 for replacement cards.

The Summer EBT program is part of Arkansas’ broader fight against child hunger. Earlier this year, the legislature passed Act 123, which funds free school breakfasts for all students starting in the 2025–2026 school year. Both initiatives are funded by state tax revenue from medical marijuana sales.

Officials continue to stress the academic and health benefits of ensuring students are well-nourished, both during the school year and over the summer.