A healthier future for our country begins with our children. With new authorities from Congress – and in close collaboration with states, territories, tribes, schools, and countless other dedicated partners – USDA can now ensure every child has the nourishment they need throughout the summer.
The following timeline outlines key milestones for FNS, states, and tribes as we work together to implement new flexibilities in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) as well as stand up the new Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program (Summer EBT). Together, we can end childhood summer hunger.
Key Milestones 2023
FNS
Action | 2023
Timeline | State, Territory and/or Tribal
Action |
| Winter | |
| Spring | - Develop strategy for securing administrative match funds for Summer EBT
|
| Summer | - Operate summer with non-congregate option in rural areas
- Convene leadership from state agencies with a role in summer nutrition programs
- Connect with Governor’s Office to coordinate on summer initiative
|
- Provide Summer EBT Management and Administration Plan templates and training to states, territories, and tribes
- Publish Summer 2024 Planning Toolkit for states, territories, and tribes
- Make available Summer EBT administrative funds (subject to availability) for states, territories, and tribes intending to administer the program
| Fall | - Establish roles and responsibilities for state agencies relevant to Summer EBT
- Finalize source(s) of administrative match funding for Summer EBT
- Review FNS reporting requirements for summer nutrition programs and modify procedures and/or contracts as needed
- Contact EBT processor to identify needs, negotiate contract terms, and enter into contract
- Plan for how your state or tribe will provide comprehensive Summer EBT customer service, securing contract support as needed
|
- Statutory deadline to publish an Interim Final Rule establishing regulations for summer non-congregate and Summer EBT
| Dec. 29, 2023 | |
Key Milestones 2024
FNS
Action | 2024
Timeline | State, Territory and/or Tribal
Action |
| | Jan. 1, 2024 | - Deadline for states, territories, and tribes to notify FNS of intent to operate summer nutrition programs in summer 2024
|
| Jan. 29 2024 | |
- Provide training and technical assistance on Summer EBT and non-congregate meal service to states, territories, tribes, and program operators
- Publish Summer Media and Outreach Toolkit
- Conduct public outreach on opportunities for families and communities in summer 2024
| Winter | - Develop a plan for conducting Summer EBT outreach to families eligible for benefits
- Recruit summer sponsors for summer 2024 in underserved areas
|
| | Feb. 15, 2024 | - Deadline to submit 2024 summer nutrition program management plans to FNS
|
- Provide ongoing technical assistance to states, territories, and tribes
- Continue public outreach for summer 2024
| Spring | - Review and approve summer sites and sponsors for summer 2024
- Conduct Summer EBT outreach to eligible families
|
- Provide ongoing technical assistance to states, territories, and tribes
| Summer | - Launch Summer EBT
- Operate summer with non-congregate option in rural areas
|
- Gather feedback on summer 2024 operations from states, territories, and tribes
| Fall | - Gather feedback on summer 2024 operations from program operators
|
Page updated: May 20, 2024
