Summer EBT program to reduce number of hungry children in East Tenn.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- State officials hope no children go hungry this summer, and they're introducing a EBT card for children in some counties to accomplish this.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services said it will be mailing the cards to select families with school-age children in Greene, Hancock and Hawkins Counties. The Tennessee Summer EBT for Kids program will provide a card to each eligible child that's loaded with $30 each month, beginning May 25 and ending Aug. 31.

The pilot program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in partnership with the TDHS and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee.

“Ensuring children are getting the nutrition they need during the summer months is essential to our mission of building strong communities and a thriving Tennessee,”

TDHS Commissioner Danielle W. Barnes said.

“We know that some families depend on the free and reduced lunch program during the school year to provide nutritious meals for their children".

"Our hope is that the Tennessee Summer EBT for Kids program will give parents additional resources and support during the summer months.”

TDHS said schools in the three counties will determine which children are eligible for the EBT cards, and children can use them anywhere that accepts the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program, or SNAP. The EBT cards will have cartoon characters Suzie Strawberry and Carl Corncob on them.

All eligible families should get the cards by May 15. TDHS said if they want to opt out or if they don't get cards, families can call 833-402-4700 or email School.Certification.DHS@tn.gov.