Students who attended St. Francis Area Schools for in-person learning and qualified for free or reduced-price school meal benefits during the 2023-24 school year are eligible to participate in the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program through the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).
The Summer EBT program provides families with eligible school-aged children a one-time payment of $120 per child ($40/month) to purchase healthy foods with funds placed on S-EBT cards.
Households already approved for Educational Benefits in 2023-24 do not need to re-apply to participate in the S-EBT program.
Some important notes about the S-EBT program:
All students are not automatically eligible because of "Universal Free Meals" at school. Students must qualify through a free or reduced-price meal benefits application (Educational Benefits Form).
Students who are directly certified do not need to apply for Educational Benefits to qualify for Summer EBT benefits. (For most households, a Notification of Certification for free or reduced-price school meals would have been received in August).
S-EBT benefits will be distributed by the MDE and the Minnesota Department of Human Services during the summer months. Visit the MDE website for more information on the S-EBT program.
Haven't completed an application for Educational Benefits? You still have time!
The Educational Benefits Form link is on the Parent Portal in Infinite Campus.
Choose Parent Portal > menu > more > meal benefits application.
Contact Nutrition.Office@isd15.org with questions about the Educational Benefits Form.
Additional free meal opportunity: Summer Food Service Programs (SFSP) at locations throughout Minnesota
Although SFAS isn't a designated summer feeding location, use these resources to find an SFSP site near you:
Download the Free Meals for Kids app provided by Hunger Impact Partners to your phone or device.
Call the 211 Hotline. From a cell phone – Twin Cities Metro Area: 651-291-0211, Greater Minnesota: 1-800-543-7709, TTY: 651-291-8440.
Call the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 1-888-711-1151, available from Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Central Time.
Text USDA to texting service. Text Summer Meals to 914-342-7744. Spanish speakers, text Verano to 914-342-7744.