The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing more than $118 million in food benefits to 983,531 students through its new Michigan Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program. (Image courtesy of Metro Creative)

MARQUETTE — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing more than $118 million in food benefits to 983,531 students through its new Michigan Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program.

Created by the U.S. Congress, the Summer EBT program is based on similar efforts used during the COVID-19 pandemic to address food insecurity among students. MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Education are working together to get these benefits to families across the state.

According to Feeding America, Michigan is listed as having 1.4 million individuals facing hunger in the state with the total receiving food assistance at 1.3 million. In Marquette County, 5,916 individuals received benefits of food assistance, 2,000 of which were children.

“We want to ensure children are able to access healthy food this summer while school is out,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Eligible families are receiving $120 per child through this program to bolster their grocery buying budgets.”

MDHHS Economic Stability Administration Policy Director Nicole Denson-Sogbaka said, “Over the years we’ve tried to make the program as discreet as possible for individuals who may be facing those social components. Individuals can apply from their smartphone or from a phone or computer in their own home. They can also go to the library to apply for benefits. (Other) individuals don’t need to know what you’re doing when you’re applying.”

Benefits will come in the form of EBT cards that families can use to buy groceries.

Eligible families who already have a Bridge card will have a one-time payment of $120 per child, the standard benefit amount set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the 2024 program year, added to their existing card.

Benefits started to roll out in early July. If they have not been received by Aug. 20, call 833-905-0028.

Those who don’t already have a card or aren’t involved in a case with MDHHS will be sent a pre-loaded card in the mail. Eligible families will receive a letter about the program from MDHHS officials who gather information by working with the MDE.

A child is eligible for Summer EBT if they are:

≤ Household participants between the ages of 6 to 18 who receive Food Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Food Distribution Program on Indian reservations or eligible Medical Assistance households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level

≤ Students of any age certified as eligible to receive free or reduced-priced lunch through the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program

≤ Approved through the Summer EBT application process

The application for the Summer EBT benefits program can be found on the MDHHS website. Denson-Sogbaka encouraged families to apply if they are unsure about their eligibility.

Additionally, Meijer announced that it’s doubling the milk discount it offers Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-eligible participants.

The discount will be increased to 40% off any brand or size of 1% or fat-free milk in an ongoing effort to increase access to healthy foods and beverages.

Other programs designed to feed children during the summer months include the MDE-administered program like the Summer Food Service Program, also known as Meet Up and Eat Up in Michigan, and the Rural Non-Congregate Summer Food Service Program.

More information about Summer EBT can be found on the MDHHS website at michigan.gov/mdhhs.