"21 Million Kids to Receive Summer Food Benefits: Which States Are Participating?"

The Biden administration is set to provide summer grocery money to 21 million children in 35 states and five U.S. territories through the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program, aiming to address food insecurity among students when they're not in school. Families with children eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches will receive $40 per month per child on an EBT card, totaling $120 per child. The program, estimated to cost $2.5 billion in 2024, aims to alleviate the financial strain caused by rising inflation and the expiration of pandemic aid. Some states have opted out this summer, citing existing programs and late USDA guidance, while anti-hunger advocates have praised the initiative.