Starting in summer 2024, eligible families with school-aged children will be able to receive grocery assistance in the summer months through the new federal Summer EBT program. 

This new permanent program will provide $40/month per child ($120 total) to qualified families, which will be loaded onto an EBT Card and can be used to purchase groceries and healthy foods for their students.

If you qualify for educational benefits (formerly free and reduced meals), you will automatically get the S-EBT benefits. If you haven’t already been approved for educational benefits, you can complete the application online via Infinite Campus (click "more," and then "meal benefits") or by turning in the paper application to the District Office. 

Applications must be submitted by the last day of school in order to be eligible for these summer benefits.

Students can also receive S-EBT benefits if they are directly certified through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Foster and Medicaid or if they are are categorically eligible (homeless, foster, migrant or runaway).

To learn more about Educational Benefits, visit the food service page on the Big Lake Schools website. If you have any questions about the S-EBT program, please visit the MDE website.