Iowa Families Can Once Again Access Summer EBT Benefits

After being replaced by a state program for several years, the Summer EBT program that helps feed Iowa children during the summer months is back.

Federal Summer Food Program for Kids Returns

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that the Summer EBT program, called Sun Bucks, has been in flux in recent years. During the pandemic, the program was expanded from 2020 to 2023. Iowa then declined to participate in 2024 and 2025 and tried its own program called Healthy Kids Iowa. Now, to the relief of parents, the federal program is back with some new restrictions.

Feeding Kids at Home During Summer Break

The Gazette reports that the Summer EBT program is an income-based program where participating families get a card loaded with $40 per month, per child, that they can use to buy food when school is no longer in session. Estimates for the number of kids in Iowa who qualify for the program are around 220,000. The Gazette reports that the program is federally funded, with states paying around half the costs to administer the program. In Iowa, the state will spend $1.3 million to bring in $26 million in food assistance.

What Are the New Restrictions?

The state of Iowa returned to the program under the condition of Iowa's Healthy SNAP guidelines, which took effect in January, according to the Gazette. Food benefits can not be used to purchase items like candy, soda, and sugary drinks that contain less than 50% fruit or vegetable juice. Those same restrictions will be applied to the Summer EBT program.

To find out if your family is eligible, you can apply HERE.