Michigan families will receive $120 per child through the new Summer EBT program to help buy groceries while school is out for the summer. The program, approved by the federal government, aims to address food insecurity for students who rely on school meals. The benefits will be provided on EBT cards, with nearly 900,000 children in Michigan eligible for the aid. Families who already have a Bridge Card will receive the benefit automatically, while those without cards will be sent a pre-loaded one in the mail. Eligibility criteria include children between the ages of 6 and 18 who receive certain assistance programs or qualify for free or reduced-price meals at school. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services plans to distribute funds earlier than planned, with a start date of July 19. In addition to the Summer EBT program, Michigan offers other summer feeding programs such as the Summer Food Service Program and the Rural Non-Congregate Summer Food Service Program. Director Elizabeth Hertel emphasized the importance of ensuring children do not go hungry during the summer break, highlighting the state’s commitment to supporting families in need. For more information about the Summer EBT program, families can visit the MDHHS website.
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