Unlocking Summer Nourishment: New Hampshire's Groundbreaking Food Assistance Program

In a significant victory for anti-hunger advocates in New Hampshire, Governor Chris Sununu has signed a bill into law that will provide much-needed funding for a summer food assistance program. This program, known as summer EBT, aims to address the critical issue of food insecurity among families during the summer months when children are not receiving meals at school.

Empowering Families, Nourishing Futures

Bridging the Summer Nutrition Gap

The summer EBT program is designed to provide a financial lifeline to families in New Hampshire during the summer months when children are not receiving meals at school. Eligible families will receive per month that can only be spent on groceries, helping to alleviate the financial burden of providing additional meals during this time. This targeted assistance is crucial, as the US Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey from June 24 revealed that around 45% of people in New Hampshire reside in homes that reported having insufficient food.

Securing Federal Funding, Ensuring Accessibility

The program's success was not a foregone conclusion, as the state initially faced the risk of missing a federal deadline to participate. However, through the tireless efforts of advocates, the funding for the program was ultimately restored, paving the way for its implementation. The Department of Health and Human Services is now responsible for getting the program's plan approved by the US Department of Agriculture, a crucial step before the benefits can be distributed.

Streamlining the Application Process

To ensure the program's accessibility, advocates are pushing for a timely rollout and a streamlined application process. They are hopeful that most eligible children can be directly certified for the program, as they are already enrolled in other assistance programs such as SNAP, TANF, school meals, or Medicaid. This approach would eliminate the need for families to navigate a complex application process, allowing them to receive the benefits they desperately need.

Expanding Assistance for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

In addition to the summer EBT program, Senate Bill 499 also funded an initiative aimed at making it easier for seniors and individuals with disabilities on a fixed income to receive food assistance through SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. The state has allocated .1 million toward these initiatives in 2025 to cover administrative and start-up costs, further demonstrating its commitment to addressing food insecurity across all demographics.

A Transformative Investment in New Hampshire's Families

The passage of this legislation has been celebrated by anti-hunger advocates, such as Laura Milliken, the executive director of NH Hunger Solutions. Milliken praised the program, stating, "For a small investment, NH will help working families and children access additional benefits every summer so they can better afford nutritious food when school isn't in session." This sentiment underscores the transformative impact this program can have on the lives of New Hampshire's most vulnerable residents.As the Department of Health and Human Services works to implement the summer EBT program, advocates remain vigilant, pushing for a timely and efficient rollout to ensure that the aid reaches families when they need it most. This groundbreaking initiative represents a significant step forward in New Hampshire's fight against hunger, empowering families and securing a brighter, more nourished future for the state's children and communities.