BALTIMORE, MD – Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed HB183/SB213 into law, initiating a new federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program that will provide grocery benefits to approximately 500,000 school-age children across the state starting this year. The program, bolstered by a $9 million state investment, aims to inject an additional $60 million in federal funds into Maryland’s local economy.
Under the newly signed law, eligible families in Maryland will receive $40 per child each month during June, July, and August, totaling $120 per child for the summer. These funds will be distributed on pre-loaded EBT cards, which can be used at various grocery stores statewide.
The Summer EBT program is designed to alleviate the heightened risk of hunger that school-age children face during the summer months, a time when they do not have access to school meals. “Summer has traditionally been the hungriest time of year,” stated Ayesha Holmes, Director of No Kid Hungry Maryland. She praised the new legislation for providing “critical grocery funds during the summer months, helping cover the cost of the meals their kids count on during the school year.”
This initiative complements existing food assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and traditional summer meal services, offering a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenge of summer hunger in Maryland. The combination of these programs is set to make a significant difference for the state’s youth.
Governor Moore’s commitment to the initiative underscores Maryland’s dedication to ensuring no child goes hungry during summer break. As Holmes highlights, the effort by Governor Moore and the General Assembly is a monumental stride in Maryland’s battle against child hunger.
For families interested in learning more about the Summer EBT program or checking eligibility, further information can be found at No Kid Hungry’s official benefits page.
