Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced on June 4th that during this summer break, the state government will provide food subsidy funds to low-income families with school-age children to support them during the time when children do not have school meals.
In her statement, Healey mentioned the “Summer EBT” program, which will utilize $70 million in federal aid to provide a one-time $120 subsidy to eligible families. This means that these families will receive an additional $40 per month to supplement their household expenses during the summer break.
“In Massachusetts, we will not let federal funds that could be used to support children and family food security go unused. Working with the state legislature, we have already fully implemented a permanent free school meals program. With this new initiative, we strive to ensure that children and families have access to healthy food throughout the year,” said Healey.
While distributing these subsidies, the state government will also continue to operate the “Summer Eats” program, providing free meals to all residents under 19 years of age in Massachusetts.
Families already enrolled in the Massachusetts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children will automatically receive the $120 subsidy without needing to apply separately.
For families not yet enrolled in these programs, they can apply for the new subsidy funds from June 15th to September 7th. The application website is: https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/