Michigan is planning ahead to make sure kids from lower income families have enough to eat this summer.
The state has opted into a federal food assistance program known as Summer EBT, which supplies a extra grocery money during the long summer break.
In Michigan, the most recent data from the nonprofit Feeding America show one in eight children is food insecure.
Diane Golzynski, the deputy superintendent of Finance and Operations with the Department of Education, says the $40 per summer month for qualifying children will go a long way toward helping families in need.
“What we’re really excited about is we see us being able to serve almost 900,000 children across the state of Michigan,” Golzynski said.
Families can apply for Summer EBT through their school district.
In Michigan, 33.8% of households receiving SNAP benefits have children. Those who already receive the SNAP benefits from the state can still apply for the supplemental funds.
