This story is part of CT Mirror Explains, an ongoing effort to distill our wide-ranging reporting into a "what you need to know" format and provide practical information to our readers.

The Summer EBT program provides an extra infusion of funds for food over the summer when children are out of school and do not have access to reduced price or free breakfast and lunch. This is the second year the program, federally known as SUN Bucks, is offered to eligible families.

Connecticut is one of 38 states, along with several tribal nations and U.S. territories, participating in SUN Bucks this year. Through the program, families receive a one-time benefit of $120 per child to spend on food. Around 300,000 children in Connecticut are expected to be served by the initiative this year.

Do I need to enroll?

According to Daniel Giacomi, the director of program oversight and grant administration at the Department of Social Services (DSS), most families will not have to apply but rather will be automatically enrolled in the program. That includes children between 5 and 18 years old who receive SNAP benefits or Temporary Family Assistance, are on HUSKY A with an income at or below 185% of the federal poverty line, and children who have applied for the national school lunch program at their school and were determined eligible for the 2024-25 school year. In all, DSS says that 97% of recipients will be automatically enrolled.

If your child does not fall into one of those categories but your household income is less than 185% of the federal poverty line, you can apply for the program by visiting this link, starting in June. DSS says enrollment is not yet available because they are still making enhancements to the application.

When will benefits begin?

Benefits will be added to EBT cards at the end of June or the beginning of July, but a precise date has not yet been confirmed, according to DSS. While last year the benefits were delayed after Connecticut agencies failed to effectively coordinate the launch of the program, Giacomi said that he did not anticipate a similar snafu this summer.

“We took the lessons learned from last year, and the hiccups that came along with it, to minimize the repeating of the same issue, so at this time, we don’t foresee any issues in being able to distribute the benefits on time,” he said.

What can the money be used for?

Similar to the SNAP program, the money can only be used to buy food and can’t be used on prepared food. It can’t be used at restaurants, but it can be used for food from the grocery store or farmer’s market, and to buy plants that are used to grow food.

There are also a number of farmer’s markets throughout the state that offer SNAP doubling, so that $20 worth of produce can be purchased for 10 SNAP dollars, for example.

Why is the program needed?

During the summer months, children who rely on reduced price or free meals at school suddenly lose that source of food. The Summer EBT program was created by Congress in 2022 and is operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to bridge that gap.

“We know that kids are home. We know obviously kids are hungry. Having two children myself, they eat more than I could possibly have ever imagined that small children would eat,” Giacomi said. “So having any amount, you know, having any funding to be able to lessen the burden upon their families is worthwhile and is something that we’ll do everything in our power to be able to continue and to operate as efficiently as possible.”

Will federal cuts impact the program?

While Congress is currently debating a tax bill that could cut SNAP benefits by about 30%, Giacomi said it’s still unclear whether the Summer EBT program will be impacted.

“We’re taking this year as it comes. We’ve received approval to operate the program, so that’s how we’re proceeding,” he said. “But obviously we’re in communications with our federal partners, both at the USDA as well as our congressional delegation, to determine whether there would be any operational challenges in future years.”