As a child, I like many children looked forward to the summer school break. It would be a fun-filled time of playing softball, jumping rope and going on family picnics.
That was my world, but for many children then and now in the south suburbs and around the country, summer is a time when they go hungry.
To combat food insecurity, a federally funded permanent government benefits program will give families a benefit of $120 per eligible child for the summer to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets or other authorized retailers, similar to how SNAP benefits are used, the U.S. Department of Agriculture stated.
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program benefits will be distributed through an electronic benefit transfer card.
It will provide nearly $2.5 billion in grocery benefits and serve close to 21 million children nationally, according to the agency, which noted Illinois is among 35 states planning to participate. More than 1.15 million children in Illinois are estimated to be eligible for roughly $137 million in benefits, said Man-Yee Lee, a spokesperson for the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
“We are seeing still today one in four households with children in the Chicago metropolitan area are currently facing food insecurity,” said Lee. “That’s around 26% of households with children.
“Many families really rely on the free and reduced-price school meals they get throughout the school year, however they lose access to this important source of nutrition during the summer when schools close. It’s a hardship for many families already struggling to make ends meet to put food on table.”
Children receive food in 2022 through a Greater Chicago Food Depository summer youth program at Smith Park in Chicago Heights. (Nancy Stone / for The Greater Chicago Food Depository)
Many children consume up to 50% of their total daily calories at school, she said, noting those who don’t get enough nutrition over the summer are more likely to experience long-term health conditions and a slide in academics.
“That’s why programs like this are really important to make sure that kids still receive the nutrition they need during summer, so they are ready to learn when schools open again,” she stressed.
Illinois has submitted a proposed implementation plan to the Agriculture Department for consideration and is awaiting approval, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Benefits are expected to be available in late summer this year and distributed in one lump sum instead of increments because the goal is to get assistance to families and children as quickly as possible, said Lee. Distribution of benefits may look different in 2025 once systems are set up, she said.
Food was distributed in 2022 at Smith Park in Chicago Heights through a Greater Chicago Food Depository summer youth program. (Nancy Stone / for The Greater Chicago Food Depository)
To be eligible for the program families must have household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. There is no citizenship requirement. Present income limits are as follows:
• Family of one: $26,973
• Family of two: $36,482
• Family of three: $45,991
• Family of four: $55,500
• Family of five: $65,009
• Family of six: $74,518
• Family of seven: $84,027
• Family of eight: $93,536
Parents uncertain about eligibility are advised to inquire at their children’s schools to see if they’re eligible for the program.
“Some will already be enrolled in it, but it’s best to check,” Lee said.
Debit cards will be mailed to families, so it’s important that they also check to make sure their addresses are up to date, she said.
Children will be automatically enrolled in Summer EBT program if they are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid, the state’s Youth In Care program or if they are in foster care, Lee said. But these families should also verify their addresses on file are up-to-date, Lee said.
The food depository is working with the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Human Services to mobilize food pantries and community organizations and other partners across the state to reach out to families about the benefit program.
The food depository has about 160 meal programs across Cook County that provide free and healthy meals during the summer to organizations operating summer youth programs, including at day camps, libraries and other community sites.
“But not every community has these programs, which is another reason why the summer EBT program is really vital,” Lee said. “It’s giving new support for parents and children so that kids can get the nutrition they need to thrive.”
The Chicago Heights Public Library, a partner in the food depository summer meals program this year that will provide free breakfasts and lunches, is working to get the word out on the EBT program.
Children receive a meal at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club in June 2023. (Jamie Kelter Davis / for the Greater Chicago Food Depository)
“There’s such a need here for it,” Carmer Moorer, youth services manager, said.
It will help provide relief to many families, and they are looking forward to it, she said.
Evaluations of a multiyear demonstration project for the program showed it reduced child hunger and improved diet quality. Summer grocery benefits cut the number of children with very low food security by about one-third and supported healthier diets featuring more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, according to the Agriculture Department. The program is the first new permanent federal nutrition program in 50 years, said Lee.
For more information on the program and how to apply, go to wegotyouillinois.org.
Francine Knowles is a freelance columnist for the Daily Southtown.
