What is Summer EBT?

The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (Summer EBT or SUN Bucks) began in 2024 and continues for 2025. Summer EBT/SUN Bucks provides grocery benefits to low-income families with school-aged children when schools are closed for the summer. Summer EBT benefits will either be loaded to a household’s Ohio Direction Card, or a benefit card will be sent in the mail to each eligible child.  

Families can use the money to buy food during the summer at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers. Families will receive a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child and participation will not affect children or families’ immigration status.

How do I know if my child is eligible to receive Summer EBT/Sun Bucks and how do I apply?

Many families will get Summer EBT/SUN Bucks automatically if they are getting other benefits, but some families may need to apply for the program. If your household already participates in SNAP, OWF, or if income eligible and receiving Medicaid benefits, your child will automatically be enrolled to receive summer benefits. You do not need to fill out an application or take any further action.

Similarly, households who have been approved for free/reduced meal benefits at their school will be submitted to automatically receive the summer benefit with no further action.

If you are not automatically enrolled, but you believe that your child might be eligible, you should submit a school meal application to your school foodservice department as soon as possible. If your child attends a Community Eligibility Provision School (a school receiving universal free meals, without the collection of income applications), there will be an online application available at sebt.ohio.gov for households to apply for Summer EBT/SUN Bucks directly. When applying, you will be asked to provide your child’s name, school, date of birth, address, and some additional details. You will also be asked to report your household’s income. You will not need to provide any other documents or information including social security number, proof of citizenship, or pay stubs to apply.

This summer, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is sponsoring SUN Meals, a summer food program where Kids Eat Free! All children ages 1 through 18 are eligible to receive free meals during the summer months at participating program sites. Individuals ages 19 through 21 who have been identified as having mental or physical disabilities and are following Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) through their current enrollment in educational programs also are eligible for free summer meals.

For more information
call 1-866-348-6479.

Meal-Service-Accommodations-Request-Form.pdf

Free lunches begin next week as the Country Neighbor Food Service program gets rolling at sites all over Ashtabula County, Country Neighbor Executive Director Barbara Klingensmith said.

“These programs are very important as families continue to struggle to make ends meet and have to make very difficult choices to meet daily basic needs,” Klingensmith said.

“All our sites are ‘grab and go’ which means they can pick them up and take them home. Parents or guardians may only pick up for their children in the household and may participate in only one program [site].

“Parents can assign an individual, such as a babysitter, however arrangements in writing must be made prior to participating in the program, Klingensmith said.

She added said thee is no income eligibility — the program is open to anyone in need for children one to 18.

“We are excited to be able to provide this program for our Ashtabula County children,” Klingensmith said. “We are grateful for the partnership with Youth Opportunities (A-Tech), Ashtabula County Juvenile court, Ashtabula County Community Action Agency, the Conneaut Summer Recess Program, Grand Valley Public Library, Rock Creek Public Library, Andover Public Library and Giddings Park.

“Without these organizations stepping up to help the meals would not be possible in Ashtabula County.”

The varied pick up sites include Andover Library from noon-12:30 p.m., June 2-Aug. 1; the Hub (5917 West Avenue) from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. June 2- Aug. 15 and Grand Valley Library from 11:30 a.m.-noon from June 2-Aug. 15.

Everyone at Re-Ed is invited to join in the February Fitness Challenge! Every day has 3 simple exercises to do. As the days advance, so do the number of repetitions of the exercises. The exercises do not require any equipment – just 5 minutes of your time! The key is to do the exercises everyday without skipping (even the weekends). We may take a day off on the 14th to eat a cookie and participate in the Valentine’s Day dance! Join the challenge and be ready for a new one in March!

Mr Rob and his group of elves brought seasonal joy to Re-Ed with “Donna’s Christmas Trees”. Students and families were able to take home Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, decorations, animated characters – just about anything Christmas! Santa also was there for the students to visit and we found he eats a steady diet of cookies! Thanks to Rob and his volunteers for sharing their love of the season!