State rolls out seasonal food support for low-income households; delays expected as cards mailed

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Thousands of low-income families in Colorado will soon receive $120 per child this summer through a new Summer EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) initiative aimed at helping cover meal costs when school cafeterias close for the season.

As the 2024–2025 school year winds down, the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) has begun mailing Summer EBT cards to eligible households. However, officials warn that delivery could take up to a month, and families should monitor their mailboxes closely.

Automatically Enrolled Based on School Meal Eligibility

The $120-per-child benefit will be automatically distributed to families who already qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, based on income thresholds set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“This is about bridging a gap that many families face once school meal programs pause for summer,” a CDHS spokesperson said. “We’re working to ensure no child goes hungry.”

Families do not need to apply separately if their children are already enrolled in school-based meal programs. Additional households that may qualify but haven’t enrolled can still do so through their school districts or local human services offices.

Delivery Timeline and Spending Rules

• Benefit Amount: $120 per eligible child
• Distribution Method: Mailed EBT card
• Arrival Window: Up to 4 weeks from mailing
• Spending Restrictions: Same as SNAP (eligible grocery items only)

The cards can be used at participating retailers for eligible grocery items, mirroring existing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) rules.

CDHS noted that while cards began mailing in early May, supply chain delays and mail backlogs could impact arrival time. Families are encouraged not to throw away unfamiliar-looking cards, which may arrive in plain envelopes.

Hunger Concerns Rise as School Meals Pause

Food insecurity typically spikes during the summer, particularly among families that rely on school-provided meals for consistent nutrition. The Summer EBT program is a response to this seasonal shortfall, which affects millions nationwide.

“Without school lunch and breakfast, many children lose access to reliable meals,” said a hunger policy expert at a Denver nonprofit. “Summer EBT gives some relief but highlights the larger systemic gaps.”

While $120 per child may not cover a full summer’s meal needs, it provides a critical supplement for groceries, allowing parents to stretch their budgets further.

A Federal-State Collaboration

The Summer EBT initiative is part of a federally funded program being implemented in partnership with state agencies across the U.S. Colorado is one of the early implementers for the 2025 season.

The rollout comes as lawmakers at both the state and federal levels push for expanded food access policies amid inflation-driven grocery costs and lingering pandemic-era hardship.