Fort Smith, Ark. – According to the state officials, last year, the program served 260,000 children across the state, providing critical support to families during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.
“Childhood hunger is a crisis – across America and especially in Arkansas,” said Governor Sanders. “I signed Arkansas up for Summer EBT last year to give us another tool in our fight to make sure no child goes to bed hungry. This program is vitally important for so many families, and I look forward to our state continuing its participation next year.”
Arkansas Department of Human Services Secretary Kristi Putnam emphasized the program’s impact. “Making sure children have nutritious food to eat is one of our top priorities, and we are committed to doing everything we can to fight food insecurity in our state,” Putnam said. “Summer EBT is a powerful new program that supports families with children at a time when school meals may not be available.”
Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva highlighted the importance of the program in addressing food insecurity. “Food insecurity struggles are often worse during the summer months when students are not in school, where they often receive their only meal of the day,” Oliva stated. “Together, we are working to end hunger in Arkansas, and the Summer EBT program is one opportunity to help ensure that the most needy students have access to healthy meals.”
The Summer EBT program is part of Arkansas’ broader commitment to combating food insecurity and ensuring no child goes hungry.