June 2025 Summer Food Stamps: Here’s Who Will Receive Their Deposits This Month

As the summer of 2025 unfolds, families across the United States will see the distribution of Summer Food Stamps, a crucial government initiative aimed at helping low-income households provide healthy meals for their children during the summer months. The Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, commonly referred to as Summer EBT or SUN Bucks, is designed to ensure that families don’t go hungry when school-provided meals are unavailable.

This program is not just a lifeline for many families, but it’s a reminder of the importance of social safety nets during difficult times. If you’re wondering whether you’re eligible or when to expect your benefits, this article will guide you through the process, giving you the information you need in simple and clear terms. Whether you’re a parent hoping to make sure your children are getting the nutrition they need, or a professional seeking to better understand the program’s mechanics, you’ll find everything you need here.

June 2025 Summer Food Stamps

The Summer EBT program is a valuable resource for families needing extra assistance during the summer months when children are not receiving school meals. With $120 per child for the summer, this program helps families buy nutritious food and ensure their children receive balanced meals.

Whether you’re a family struggling with food insecurity, or a professional in the field, understanding how summer EBT works is essential. Stay informed about your state’s deposit schedule, eligibility criteria, and how to apply for the program.

The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program provides $120 per eligible child when school is not in session. https://t.co/xKc1FwrgZt

— Newsweek (@Newsweek) June 24, 2025

What Are Summer Food Stamps?

Summer Food Stamps, more officially known as Summer EBT, provide essential food assistance to children when school meals are not available during the summer months. The program was created to fill the gap that arises when children are no longer in school and cannot access school-provided breakfasts and lunches.

Under this initiative, eligible children receive $120 per child for the summer (from June to August). The funds are distributed via EBT cards, similar to the cards used by families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These funds can be spent on food items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, and other groceries that support a balanced diet.

Summer EBT is crucial because many low-income families rely on school meals to supplement their food needs. With school being out for the summer, these families may struggle to provide sufficient nutritious meals, especially if they don’t have the resources to shop for groceries at full price. The program helps alleviate this challenge by providing additional resources directly to the household.

How Does the Program Work?

The Summer EBT program functions by loading benefits onto a special EBT card or the existing card from SNAP or P-EBT. Here’s how it works:

1. Eligibility: To qualify, children must be part of a household that participates in government programs like SNAP (food stamps), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or Medicaid. In addition, children attending schools that offer free or reduced-price meals are automatically eligible.
2. Benefit Distribution: The benefits are distributed starting in June, although the exact dates can vary depending on the state. Some states begin mailing out cards in early June, while others may issue benefits later in the month. The funds are typically loaded onto the EBT cards and can be used immediately.
3. Spending: Once the funds are loaded onto the EBT card, families can use them to buy eligible food items at participating stores. The funds are restricted to food purchases only, which means you cannot buy hot prepared meals, pet food, or non-food items like toiletries.

When Will You Receive Your Summer EBT Deposits?

Each state has different timelines for when Summer EBT deposits are issued. Below are some of the notable states and their respective distribution dates:

• California: Early June
• New York: June 18
• Illinois: June 2025
• Ohio: June 11
• Texas: June 2025
• Florida: June 2025

For a full list of states and their expected deposit dates, visit your state’s official page or the USDA’s website.

States with Specific EBT Dates:

Some states have specific guidelines or extended timelines for benefits. For instance, in New York, the state has set up a system where the first round of benefits was issued on June 18, with additional rounds planned later throughout the summer.

On the other hand, California began sending out cards in early June, and residents in Ohio saw their benefits loaded onto their existing cards starting June 11.

If you haven’t received your benefits by early July, it’s a good idea to check with your state’s local helpdesk or USDA website for further guidance.

Eligibility and How to Apply

Who Is Eligible?

The Summer EBT program automatically covers households that already participate in programs like SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid. Children who attend schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and qualify for free or reduced-price meals are also eligible.

Additionally, certain children may be eligible even if their households don’t receive public assistance. For instance, children in foster care, those experiencing homelessness, or from migrant families may qualify. If you’re not sure if your child qualifies, you can apply online or at your local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) office.

How to Apply

While many families will be automatically enrolled, some families may need to apply. If you haven’t been notified about receiving Summer EBT, you can visit your state’s official Summer EBT application page. If you’re unsure whether your state participates, check the USDA’s official page for detailed instructions.

For non-SNAP households, applying is as simple as filling out an application online or at your local office. To check your eligibility, you may need to provide documents such as:

• Proof of income or participation in public assistance programs
• Identification documents for the children in the household
• Proof of school enrollment (if applicable)

What Can You Buy with Summer EBT?

The Summer EBT benefits are designed to provide families with the means to buy healthy and nutritious food. Eligible items include:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables (e.g., apples, bananas, spinach, broccoli)
• Meat, poultry, and fish (e.g., chicken, beef, fish)
• Dairy products (e.g., milk, cheese, yogurt)
• Bread and cereals (e.g., whole wheat bread, oats, rice)
• Non-alcoholic beverages (e.g., juice, milk, bottled water)

However, there are certain items you cannot buy with Summer EBT funds:

• Hot prepared foods (e.g., meals from a deli or restaurant)
• Pet food
• Household supplies (e.g., cleaning products, toiletries)

For a full list of eligible and ineligible items, refer to the USDA guidelines.

Tips for Maximizing Your Summer EBT Benefits

To make the most of the benefits provided, here are a few practical tips:

1. Plan Your Meals: Create a weekly meal plan that focuses on affordable, healthy foods. This will help stretch your benefits and reduce food waste.
2. Buy in Bulk: When possible, purchase larger quantities of non-perishable items like rice, beans, pasta, and canned goods. Bulk purchases often offer better value.
3. Shop at Farmers’ Markets: Many farmers’ markets accept EBT, and they often offer fresh, locally grown produce at competitive prices. It’s a great way to maximize your benefits.
4. Look for Discounts and Coupons: Keep an eye out for store promotions, discounts, or coupons that can make your benefits go even further. Some stores may even offer discounts specifically for EBT cardholders.
5. Be Mindful of Expiry Dates: Ensure you are using your EBT benefits before the end of the summer period. Depending on your state, you may have until the end of August to use the benefits, but it’s always best to spend them early to avoid any potential issues.

The Broader Impact of Summer EBT

The Summer EBT program not only helps families access food during a vulnerable time, but it also has broader benefits for communities and society. By addressing food insecurity, Summer EBT can:

• Improve Child Health: Consistent access to nutritious food during the summer months can help prevent the health issues associated with poor nutrition, like obesity and malnutrition. Children who have adequate access to food are more likely to perform better in school once the school year resumes.
• Support Local Economies: As families use their benefits at local grocery stores and farmers’ markets, it helps support the local economy, especially small businesses and farmers. This creates a ripple effect, helping sustain jobs and promote economic growth in local communities.
• Reduce Long-Term Costs: By providing food assistance during the summer, Summer EBT helps families avoid other costly options like food pantries or emergency food programs, which can place a strain on both families and local services. It can also reduce the long-term costs associated with poor nutrition, such as healthcare costs for diet-related diseases.
• Social and Emotional Benefits: Summer EBT also alleviates the stress many families experience when school meals are no longer available. By knowing that their children will have access to nutritious food, parents and caregivers can better manage their time and resources, improving family wellbeing.

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FAQs

1. How do I check if I qualify for Summer EBT?

You can check your eligibility through your state’s SNAP or P-EBT program. If you’re not automatically eligible, you can apply for Summer EBT through your state’s official website. You will likely need to provide proof of income, household size, and children’s school enrollment status.

2. Can I use my Summer EBT card for online purchases?

It depends on the retailer. Some stores accept EBT payments for online orders, while others may not. Check with your local grocery stores to confirm their policies.

3. What if I didn’t receive my benefits by the expected date?

If your benefits are delayed, contact your state’s EBT customer service center. You can also visit the USDA Summer EBT page for additional information. Make sure you’re checking the correct dates, as some states may issue benefits in multiple rounds over several weeks.

4. Can I use Summer EBT benefits for snacks or junk food?

Yes, you can buy snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages with your Summer EBT card, but make sure to focus on healthier options like nuts, fruits, and whole-grain snacks. The program aims to support better nutrition, but snack foods are eligible.

5. What happens if I don’t use my Summer EBT benefits by the end of the summer?

Unused benefits may expire at the end of August, depending on your state’s regulations. However, some states may allow the benefits to roll over into the next school year or provide extensions. Always try to use your benefits before they expire to avoid losing them.