Sample letter for states, Tribes, and territories to share with NSLP-participating schools for distributing to households with children who are not automatically eligible and need to apply. Text that require customization is indicated in bold within brackets.
[School District Name and Logo]
[Household ID #_________]
Dear [Parent or Guardian Name]:
If your household income is less than 185% of the federal poverty level [customize: insert link or add income chart to the back of this letter], [child(ren) name in your household] may be eligible for a program called [insert Summer EBT/SUN Bucks].
Participating families will receive [customize: $120 for each eligible child on a card, will receive three installments of $40, etc.] that you can use to buy food during the summer at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers.
If you think your children are eligible, you can get [insert Summer EBT/SUN Bucks] by filling out a simple application. To apply for [insert Summer EBT/SUN Bucks] [customize: insert the process and contact information for application]. Be sure to apply by [insert date] in order to get benefits for this summer. If you need assistance filling out an application, or if you have questions, contact [insert state/ITO operations: customer service number, etc.].
You will need to provide your child’s name, school, and date of birth, along with the names of the people in your household, your household income, and address where the benefit card should be sent. You will not need to provide any documentation to apply.
If you receive more than $120 [customize dollar amount if needed] per eligible child in your household, do not use the benefits. Contact [customize insert Summer EBT/SUN Bucks agency contact information] as soon as possible to confirm or correct the error.
In addition to [insert Summer EBT/SUN Bucks], the children under 18 years of age in your household can also receive free meals during the summer at a summer meal site. You can call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (or text 914-342-7744 with the keyword “summer meals”) to find the location closest to you.
If you have questions, you can contact [insert Summer EBT/SUN Bucks agency customer service number].
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Title]
[Agency]