State lawmakers pass Summer EBT bill to further reduce hunger for school-age children
November 21, 2023
Colorado children, especially those in rural communities, will have more access to adequate, nutritious foods next summer, thanks to the actions of state lawmakers and advocates during the special legislative session.
After advancing from both the Senate and House of Representatives, Senate Bill 23B-002 will be signed into law by Governor Polis sometime next week. The legislation supports Colorado in implementing a new federally funded program for school-age children and their families to purchase needed groceries during the summer months.
Read more in our joint press release with Hunger Free Colorado.
We want to thank Gov. Polis and state legislators for prioritizing this bill, along with everyone in our network who advocated for increased summer food access. Your actions made a difference and will help set up more students for success, in and out of the classroom.
Now, join us in thanking the bill sponsors for championing this important legislation and helping ensure more Colorado youth have consistent access to nutritious food throughout the year! Use this social media toolkit to share your gratitude.
WHAT IS THE NEW PROGRAM?
The Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program (Summer EBT) aims to provide nutrition assistance for school-age children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. States that opt-in for 2024 will be able to tap into federal funds and provide $40 per month for each eligible child this coming summer. Households will receive pre-loaded funds on a debit-like card to buy groceries at stores accepting SNAP benefits.
Since the daily benefits only equate to about $1.33 per child, this new program will be in addition to summer meal sites that offer breakfasts, lunches, and snacks to any youth under 18 years old.
WHY NOW?
Over summer break, K-12 students lose access to breakfasts and lunches typically served during the school day. This often puts an additional strain on household budgets, which are already tight due to low wages, rising costs of living, and other life storms. Studies show that a lack of access to healthy foods can impact the health and well-being of growing children and teenagers, as well as their ability to focus, learn, and excel in school.
The state legislature prioritized this matter during the special session since Colorado must commit to allocating state funds and meeting federal deadlines early next year to begin offering these benefits in 2024; otherwise, the program would have to be postponed until 2025.
WHAT DOES THE BILL DO?
The legislation appropriates $3.5 million in state funds to begin administering Summer EBT in 2024. It also included one amendment to support community-based organizations, particularly across rural areas of Colorado, in conducting local outreach about the new program.
By opting in, Colorado will receive an estimated $35 million in federal funds that will support more than 300,000 children across the state. Summer EBT will be administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services and the Colorado Department of Education.
The Summer EBT bill was sponsored by Senators Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) and Jeff Bridges (D-Arapahoe County), along with Representatives Lorena Garcia (D-Unincorporated Adams County) and Shannon Bird (D-Westminster). It was supported by a coalition of organizations and community members led by Hunger Free Colorado and the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger.