In 2024, the US Department of Agriculture introduced a new federal nutrition initiative, the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program—also known as SUN Bucks. This program offers grocery benefits to low-income families with children during the summer months to help address gaps in summer food assistance. In 2024, 37 states, all 5 US territories, and 2 tribal nations chose to participate. However, unclear federal guidance and a short preparation window created obstacles to effective state implementation. Additionally, inconsistent rollout across states meant many families were left without access to the benefit. In this report, we explore state participation, examine implementation challenges and successes, and offer recommendations for USDA to strengthen the program. We also assess the equity impacts for populations at heightened risk of food insecurity in both participating and nonparticipating states.

Why This Matters

Summer EBT was designed to address increased food insecurity during the summer, when children no longer have access to school meals and traditional summer meal programs are difficult to access. Although states had some familiarity with a similar initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic—Pandemic EBT—they faced significant challenges during the first year of implementing the permanent version of Summer EBT. To effectively reduce summer childhood hunger, policymakers must understand how to improve implementation efforts to increase participation and ensure the Summer EBT program meets families’ needs. Expanding the program nationwide is essential to ensuring equitable access and reducing food insecurity. As a proven strategy to support child nutrition, Summer EBT is particularly important in today’s context of elevated food costs and potential cuts to other safety net supports.

Key Takeaways

In its first year of implementation, the Summer EBT program faced significant challenges. States contended with limited federal guidance, delayed funding, staffing and capacity constraints, and the need to build or adapt data systems—often in coordination with multiple agencies. Despite these hurdles, 37 states, all 5 US territories, and 2 tribal nations successfully launched the program, delivering nearly $2.5 billion in grocery benefits to an estimated 21 million children. Looking ahead to 2025, states plan to enhance data systems, improve data integration and coordination with other agencies, and expand outreach. However, many SNAP directors expect continued challenges given the ongoing short planning timelines and resource constraints.

Although Summer EBT eligibility is consistent nationwide, access depends on whether states opt into the program—creating uneven support for children at risk of food insecurity. Our analysis shows that many of the most vulnerable children—including those in states with high food insecurity, rural areas, and communities of color—were less likely to benefit in 2024.

We recommend USDA take the following actions to ensure that Summer EBT continues to provide strong, stable support for children and families:

• Provide clear guidance to states and approve plans in a timely manner.
• Provide additional support for states to develop data management systems.
• Offer guidance on how SNAP agencies and child nutrition agencies should work together.
• Continue allowing states to request flexibilities in administrative program requirements.
• Provide a higher rate of match funding for the administrative costs of running the program, particularly in the first years of implementation.
• Require schools to share data with their state agency for the purposes of implementation.

How We Did It

We partnered with the American Public Human Services Association to survey state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) directors to gain perspectives on experiences and challenges implementing Summer EBT in summer 2024. We also conducted in-depth follow-up interviews with select state SNAP directors and participants. We used data collected from the survey and publicly available demographic data on food insecurity, race and ethnicity, and rurality to better understand any disparities in access to Summer EBT based on state participation.