Arkansas kids are getting a $120 boost for groceries this summer. The state just opened applications for the 2026 Summer EBT program, designed to keep students fueled and healthy while school is out. Many families will get this benefit automatically, but you’ll want to check the details to make sure you don’t miss out on these extra funds for your kitchen table.
Read below for everything you need to know about eligibility, new healthy-food rules, and how to get your card (or just skip to the bullet points).
The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) and Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) announced Thursday that the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) application is now available. Many families will receive the benefit automatically and won’t need to apply. The Summer EBT initiative provides essential nutritional support to children during the summer months when school meals are unavailable, ensuring they receive the nutritious food they need to grow and thrive.
“As part of my administration’s broad effort to end childhood hunger in Arkansas, every student has access to free breakfast during the school year, and now, for the third year in a row, we’re making sure they’re getting help in the summer months too,” said Governor Sanders. “No child should have to worry about where their food will come from, and that’s why I am proud that Arkansas will once again be participating in the Summer EBT program. When our kids are fed and fueled, they grow stronger and learn faster. And when our kids are succeeding, so are we.”
Building on the success of last year’s program, which served approximately 324,000 children, the 2026 Summer EBT program will offer $120 in food benefits per eligible child. These funds will be distributed via pre-loaded EBT cards, allowing families to purchase groceries and maintain access to nutritious meals throughout the summer. The Summer EBT program supplements the free meal options at summer meal sites in communities across Arkansas.
“Ensuring that children have access to healthy, nutritious food is our top priority, even when school is out for the summer,” said DHS Secretary Janet Mann. “The Summer EBT program provides families with the tools they need to make healthier choices. We’re proud to continue supporting Arkansas families and ensuring that no child goes hungry during the summer months.”
Here’s what Arkansas families need to do to secure their 2026 Summer EBT benefits:
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Check Your Status:
Many children who receive SNAP, Medicaid, or free/reduced-price school meals are automatically enrolled. If you are already in the system, you don’t need to do anything—your benefits will be loaded between mid-May and mid-June. -
Apply if Needed:
If your family isn’t automatically enrolled but meets the income requirements (under 185% of the federal poverty level), you must apply by August 31, 2026. You can fill out the application at ar.gov/SummerEBT or access.arkansas.gov. -
Keep Your Old Card:
If you received Summer EBT last year and are still eligible, your 2026 funds will be added to your existing card. Don’t throw it away! -
Request a Replacement:
If you’ve lost your previous card, call the EBT Help Desk at (800) 997-9999 to order a new one. -
Update Your Address:
If you are a new participant, your card will be mailed to the address DHS has on file. Make sure your contact information is current at your local DHS office or online. -
Plan Your Shopping:
Remember that starting July 1, new rules kick in. You won’t be able to use these benefits for soda, candy, or other restricted sugary drinks.
Eligibility for the Summer EBT program includes school-aged children who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and those who have been individually determined to be eligible for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program.
“For many Arkansas students, school is the one place they can get a nutritious meal,” said Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva. “When school is out for the summer, the need doesn’t end. The summer EBT program helps ensure students have access to the meals they need to thrive.”
For more information about Summer EBT and to determine eligibility, families are encouraged to visit this link.
“Summer can be a challenging time for families who rely on school meals,” said Patty Baker of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.” We value our partnership with DHS in helping ensure children have access to nutritious food when school is out.”
For those who need to apply, the application is available at ar.gov/SummerEBT and also at Access.Arkansas.gov. Notices will be sent by mail to families who automatically qualify TBA.
Families who received Summer EBT cards last year and are eligible again this year will have their 2026 benefits loaded onto their existing cards. Families who are eligible this year but did not receive benefits last year will be mailed a new card to the address on file with DHS. Families who received benefits last year, and are eligible again this year, but have lost their cards can call (800) 997-9999 to request a replacement card. Benefits are expected to be loaded onto cards between mid-May and mid-June.
DHS and ADE remain committed to ensuring that no child goes hungry during the summer months and encourage eligible families to take advantage of this vital program.
Starting July 1, the new Arkansas SNAP nutrition waiver program will apply to Summer EBT benefits. The same restrictions on unhealthy products will apply, meaning families will no longer be able to use Summer EBT benefits to purchase candy, soda, or other unhealthy beverages.
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