Boston's fight against childhood hunger takes a significant step as the Healey-Driscoll administration announces the launch of a new Summer EBT program, officially approved by the federal government. Set to provide sustenance for about 600,000 students during school's summer recess, the program aims to distribute over $70 million in federal funds into the state's economy. With these resources, low-income families will be able to more easily purchase groceries and deliver a steady diet to their school-aged children.
"In Massachusetts, we are not leaving federal dollars on the table that could support children and families' food security. In partnership with our State Legislature, we made universal free school meals permanent. And with this new program, we are working to ensure children and families have access to healthy food all year long," Governor Maura Healey was quoted saying in a press release obtained by Mass.gov. These summer benefits are designed to seamlessly follow the closing of the temporary pandemic-related P-EBT, filling the gap left behind for families who had come to rely on such assistance.
The collaborative effort between the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and local districts will complement the existing Summer Eats program. Summer Eats provides free meals to all kids and teens 18 and under across the state. Some households will continue to receive standard federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Each eligible family will receive payments equating to $120 per child between July and September, adding up to $40 monthly. This financial move will automatically embrace families enrolled in SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or certain MassHealth plans. Those not automatically enrolled will have the opportunity to intentionally apply through DTA Connect starting June 15 and extending through September 7, 2024. For more information, families can visit Mass.gov/SummerEBT.
Officials praise the steps Massachusetts has taken towards food security for its children, particularly during summer when food insecurity can to spike. Senate President Karen E. Spilka expressed enthusiasm for the state's efforts in a statement: “This is an easy one: every child in Massachusetts should be able to enjoy their summer without worrying about whether they are getting a nutritious meal.” Such sentiments are echoed across multiple sectors, with advocates and public servants alike recognizing the tangible impact on families and local economies alike.
Project Bread's President and CEO, Erin McAleer, underscored the importance of the new program, stating, "Schools meals are now permanently free for students statewide, but many families experiencing food insecurity have to stretch their grocery budgets to the limit when kids are home during the summer break." Project Bread, along with many other community organizations, aims to collaborate with the state to ensure the rollout of the Summer EBT program reaches those in need.
The implementers of the program hope not just to alleviate immediate hunger, but also to sow the seeds for a healthier, more secure future for Massachusetts children – one where the cycles of food scarcity do not impede their potential both in and out of the classroom.
