By Trish Svoboda

Kansas is one of 35 states, along with all five U.S. territories, and four Tribes that plan to launch the new, permanent, Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, as announced in a release. The Summer EBT program will provide qualifying families with $120 per eligible child to purchase food during the summer, much like SNAP benefits.

The USDA estimates the program will serve nearly 21 million children, and provide close to $2.5 billion in grocery benefits this summer.

Years of evaluating a demonstration project revealed the program not only reduced child hunger but also improved diet quality. According to the release, the summer benefits program reduced the number of kids with low food security by approximately one-third, and diets included more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Those not taking part in the inaugural year of the program, will have the opportunity to opt in in the future.