Dear Families,
I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the spring season. As we approach the end of the school year, I am excited to share with you an opportunity that will help ensure your children have access to nutritious meals during the summer break.
I am pleased to inform you that the Arkansas Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Education, is once again offering the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program. This program aims to support families with school-aged children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals during the school year.
The Summer EBT Program provides eligible families with funds on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card that can be used to purchase food items at authorized retailers, including grocery stores and farmers' markets. This initiative helps bridge the gap that many families face when school meals are not available during the summer months.
To qualify for the Summer EBT Program, your child must have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals during the school year. IF YOU DID NOT SUBMIT YOUR FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH FORMS, YOU WILL NOT QUALITY. THIS INCLUDES FUTURE SUMMERS. It is imperative that you submit your Free and Reduced Lunch forms at the beginning of each year, as this will be a program that occurs each summer for several upcoming summers.
Eligible families and those families who qualify for SNAP are automatically enrolled.If you qualify for SNAP, you only need to make sure your address is correct in the school database.If you did not fill out a free and reduced lunch form and qualify, then your student will not receive these benefits.
Ensuring that our students have access to nutritious meals year-round is essential for their health and well-being. The Summer EBT Program is a valuable resource that can help alleviate some of the financial burdens families may experience during the summer break.If you qualify, please make sure the school has your correct address.
Please note that we have been informed these funds will not be available until July 10th. If you have any questions about the Summer EBT Program or need assistance with the enrollment process, please don't hesitate to contact our district's food nutrition director at (870) 358-2913 or email simpsonb@mtree.k12.ar.us. In addition, Ms. Brandi will be at the elementary cafeteria on Wednesday, May 22nd from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to assist you in filling out forms. We are here to support you and ensure that every child in our community has access to the nourishment they need to thrive. However, we do not have the final decision as to who qualifies and who does not qualify.
Questions about qualifying or when cards will arrive should be directed to DHS. Applications will arrive home tomorrow with students. Please have forms returned to us by Friday, May 24th. We will gladly submit these forms for you. You can also register online at ar.gov/summerebt.
If you receive these funds, PLEASE SAVE YOUR CARD FOR UPCOMING SUMMERS! YOU WILL USE THE SAME CARD IN THE FUTURE.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Together, we can make sure that our students have a happy and healthy summer vacation.
Sincerely,
Matt Wright