Which States Run Summer EBT Programs Right Now

Summer EBT is available in most states, but the program structure and timing vary significantly by location

Summer EBT — officially called the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) pilot — operates in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., but not every state runs both components, and not every state runs them the same way. The older Summer Food Service Program has been around since the 1970s and provides free meals at sites like schools and community centers. The newer Summer EBT pilot, which loads money directly onto EBT cards for families to buy food, started in 2022 and has expanded to more states each year, though it still does not reach every family or every state equally.

The key difference for your family: if your state runs only the traditional Summer Food Service Program, your children eat free meals at a physical location. If your state runs the Summer EBT pilot, you receive money on a card to buy groceries yourself. Some states now run both, giving families a choice. Knowing which program your state offers — and when it runs — determines what you actually do next.

Key Takeaways

• All 50 states run the Summer Food Service Program with free meals at schools and community sites, but Summer EBT (the card-based program) is available in only some states and expands each year.
• Summer EBT pilot states change annually; your state may have run it last year but not this year, or may start this year after not running it before.
• The easiest way to find out what your state offers is to call your state's Department of Education or search "[your state] summer EBT" plus the current year.
• Timing matters: Summer Food Service Program meals typically run June through August, while Summer EBT deposits happen on specific dates that vary by state.
• If your state does not run Summer EBT, the traditional meal program is still free and does not require an application in most places.

States currently running the Summer EBT pilot

The Summer EBT pilot began in 2022 with a small group of states and has grown each year. As of 2024, the pilot operates in approximately 30 states plus Washington, D.C., but the exact list changes annually as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) adds or removes states based on funding and state participation. States that have run the pilot in recent years include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia, though this list is not final for the current year.

The pilot is designed to eventually reach all states, but funding and state capacity determine the timeline. Some states that ran the program one year may pause it the next if federal funding shifts or state staffing changes. Other states may join for the first time. This is why checking your specific state's status each spring is essential — you cannot assume your state runs it this year just because it did last year.

How to find out what your state offers

Start with your state's Department of Education website, which typically maintains a page for summer nutrition programs. Search "[your state name] summer EBT" or "[your state name] summer food service program" along with the current year. You should land on an official state page that lists which programs run, when they run, and how to find meal sites or register for the card program.

If the state website is unclear or you cannot find current information, call your state Department of Education directly — the number is public and searchable. Ask specifically whether your state runs the Summer EBT pilot this year and, if so, when registration opens and when the first deposit hits. If your state does not run Summer EBT, ask where the nearest Summer Food Service Program meal sites are located.

You can also call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) and ask about summer nutrition programs in your area. The 211 service connects you to local resources and can tell you which programs operate near you, including meal site locations and whether Summer EBT is available.

States that do not currently run Summer EBT

Approximately 20 states do not yet participate in the Summer EBT pilot, though they all run the traditional Summer Food Service Program. These states include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, though this list may change as new states join the pilot.

If your state is not on the Summer EBT list, your children can still receive free meals through the Summer Food Service Program at schools, libraries, parks, and community centers throughout the summer. No application is required in most cases — you simply show up at a meal site with your child. Meals are typically served once or twice daily and include breakfast, lunch, or both depending on the site.

Timing differences between programs

The Summer Food Service Program typically runs from early June through mid-August, though exact dates vary by state and by individual site. Meal times are set by each location, so a school cafeteria might serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., while a community center serves dinner from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Summer EBT deposits happen on specific dates set by each state, usually in June and again in July or August. The amount deposited per child also varies by state — some states load $120 per child for the summer, others load $150 or more. The money stays on the card and can be used at any grocery store or authorized retailer that accepts EBT, just like regular SNAP benefits.

What to do if your state runs both programs

If your state runs both Summer Food Service Program and Summer EBT, you do not have to choose one or the other — your family can use both. Some families prefer the may provide free meal at a site because it requires no planning or shopping. Others prefer the card money because it gives them flexibility to buy what their child will actually eat, or to use the money for groceries the whole family shares.

If you want to use Summer EBT, you typically need to register through your state's portal or by phone during a specific window in spring. If you want to use the meal program, you usually just show up at a site — no registration needed. Check your state's website for the exact registration deadline for Summer EBT, because missing it can mean your family does not receive the card deposit.

What happens if you move between states during summer

If your family moves from one state to another during the summer, you may be able to use the Summer Food Service Program in your new state immediately, since it does not require an application. However, Summer EBT benefits are tied to your state of residence, and moving mid-summer can complicate things. If you receive a Summer EBT card from your original state and then move, contact that state's program to report the change — some states can transfer your benefits, while others cannot.

To avoid losing Summer EBT money, try to time a move before the program starts or after the final deposit. If you must move mid-summer, ask your original state's program office whether they can transfer your remaining balance to your new state, or whether you should use the card before moving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Summer EBT at any grocery store?

Summer EBT works like regular SNAP benefits, so you can use it at any store that accepts EBT cards — most grocery stores, many farmers markets, and some convenience stores. You cannot use it at restaurants, gas stations, or for non-food items. Check your state's website for a list of authorized retailers, or ask at the checkout before you shop.

Do I have to be on SNAP to get Summer EBT?

No. Summer EBT is available to any child who meets the income guidelines, whether or not the family receives regular SNAP benefits. Income limits are typically the same as school lunch income guidelines. Your state's program page will list the exact income threshold and how to verify it during registration.

What if my state ran Summer EBT last year but is not running it this year?

The pilot changes annually based on federal funding and state capacity. If your state is not listed for the current year, the traditional Summer Food Service Program is still available — call your state Department of Education or 211 to find meal sites near you. You can also check back in spring of next year to see if your state rejoins the pilot.

Do I need to register my child for the Summer Food Service Program?

Most Summer Food Service Program sites do not require registration — you simply bring your child to a meal site during meal times. However, some sites or states may ask for basic information the first time you arrive. Call ahead to confirm what the site near you requires, or check your state's website for site-specific details.

Can my child use Summer EBT at school during the regular year?

No. Summer EBT is only for summer months and only for food purchased outside of school. During the school year, your child uses regular school lunch benefits if the family qualifies. Summer EBT money does not carry over into the school year.