Idaho and a Summer Food Program for Kids
The Summer EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) Program is a new program that provides money to low-income families with school-aged children to be used for the purchase of food when schools are closed for the summer. This was passed by Congress and signed into law in December 2022. Unfortunately, Idaho is not planning to participate in this program in summer 2024. However, it is possible that Idaho will participate in summer 2025.
The Governor released his proposed budget for state agencies for the next fiscal year. His budget proposal includes funding needed to implement the Summer EBT program in summer 2025 in Idaho. In order for this program to be available for Idaho children in summer 2025, the Idaho Legislature would have to fund the Governor’s budget proposal for summer EBT implementation costs at the Departments of Education and Health and Welfare.
We know that 14.5% of Idaho children experience food insecurity. Counties with the highest rates of food insecurity are disproportionately rural. The Idaho Foodbank and our Board of Directors are supportive of Idaho implementing this new Summer EBT program that will make a positive impact in the lives of Idaho children.