The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing over $118 million in food assistance to 983,531 students through its new Michigan Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program. (Image courtesy of Metro Creative)
MARQUETTE – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing more than $118 million in food assistance to 983,531 students through its new Michigan Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program.
The Summer EBT program, created by Congress, builds on similar efforts undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic to address food insecurity among students. MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Education are working together to provide these benefits to families across the state.
According to Feeding America, there are 1.4 million people suffering from hunger in Michigan and 1.3 million people receiving food assistance. In Marquette County, 5,916 people received food assistance, including 2,000 children.
“We want to ensure that children have access to healthy food during the school holidays this summer,” said Elizabeth Hertel, director of the MDHHS. “Eligible families will receive $120 per child under this program to supplement their grocery budget.”
Nicole Denson-Sogbaka, policy director of the Economic Stability Authority (MDHHS), said: “Over the years, we’ve tried to make the program as discreet as possible for people who face these social components. People can apply from their smartphone or from a phone or computer at home. They can also go to the library to apply for benefits. (Other) people don’t need to know what you’re doing when you apply.”
Benefits are provided in the form of EBT cards that families can use to purchase groceries.
Eligible families who already have a Bridge card will receive a one-time payment of $120 per child, which is the standard benefit amount set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for program year 2024, added to their existing card.
Benefits began being paid in early July. If you have not received benefits by August 20, call 833-905-0028.
Those who do not yet have a card or are not involved in a case with MDHHS will receive a pre-loaded card in the mail. Eligible families will receive a letter about the program from MDHHS officials, who will be working with the MDE to gather information.
A child is eligible for Summer EBT if he or she:
≤ Household members ages 6 to 18 who are eligible for the Food Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Medical Assistance, whose income is 185% of the federal poverty level or less
≤ Students of any age who have demonstrated eligibility for a free or reduced-price lunch through the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.
≤ Approved through the Summer EBT application process
The application for the Summer EBT benefits program can be found on the MDHHS website. Denson-Sogbaka encouraged families to apply if they are unsure of their eligibility.
In addition, Meijer announced that it is doubling the milk discount for participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
As part of our efforts to increase access to healthy food and beverages, the discount on all brands and sizes of 1% or fat-free milk will be increased to 40%.
Other programs to feed children during the summer months include those administered by MDE such as the Summer Food Service Program, also known in Michigan as Meet Up and Eat Up, and the Rural Non-Congregate Summer Food Service Program.
For more information about Summer EBT, visit the MDHHS website at michigan.gov/mdhhs.
