Summary

Thanks for participating in our Summer EBT awareness campaign! In this Outreach Kit, we’ll review how the program will work in Kentucky this summer, share ready-to-use communication materials, and equip you to answer families’ questions. 

We addressed common concerns and provided strategies to minimize confusion about Summer EBT benefits. Remember, clear messaging will help ensure families in your school community can access this important food assistance during the summer months. We’ve provided messaging options for social media and school emails, text and robocalls, so that you can easily plug messages into the platforms used at your school. 

Audience

• Families who are eligible for Summer EBT, but don’t know about the program 
• Families who are eligible for Summer EBT, but don’t know they need to apply
• Families who are eligible and automatically enrolled in Summer EBT, but don’t know about the program 

Strategy and Key Messages

The objective of our Summer EBT communications campaign is to spread awareness and drive action. 

Our key messages are simple:

• Summer EBT is here to help feed your kids when school’s out!
• Some children will be automatically enrolled, while others need to apply.
• We encourage you to check to see if you’re eligible, and sign up if needed.
• Summer EBT and summer meals are intended to work together to replace the loss of access to school meals during summer.

Eligible children in CEP schools are the most likely to not be automatically enrolled in Summer EBT, and therefore fall through the cracks. That’s why sharing these messages at CEP schools is especially important.

Based on findings from our 2024 Summer EBT campaign focus groups with stakeholders across the country, and the 2024 KY Parent and Caregiver Survey conducted by Feeding Kentucky, we found the most trusted voice for eligible families is schools. Therefore, we created this outreach kit to be delivered by schools and school staff.

Resources & Suggested Timeline

• School Staff Fact Sheet & School Staff Newsletter Blurb
• (4-5) Social media images with captions in English and Spanish
• (2) CEP emails in English and Spanish 
• (1) Printable take-home flyer in English and Spanish
• (1) Robocall script for CEP schools in English and Spanish
• (1) Text message for CEP schools in English and Spanish

RECORDING – Summer EBT Webinar for School Staff & Community

School Staff Fact Sheet

💡We’ve designed an info sheet to help educate your staff and trusted community members, to ensure they have all the information they need to support families at their schools and understand Summer EBT. 

You can download this fact sheet and share it with staff who can help spread the word. This could include: Family Resource Youth Service Centers (FRYSCs), Parent Resource Center staff, Parent Coordinators, Family Resource Officers, guidance counselors, Community School Coordinators and Directors, ESL staff, McKinney-Vento Liaisons, front desk staff, Child Nutrition Directors, staff involved in the Summer Meal programs, staff involved in school food pantry or food distributions, school-based health center staff, school administrators including principals and assistant principals, foster care LEA points of contact, and migrant region coordinators. 

DOWNLOAD THE FACT SHEET HERE!

Newsletter Blurb for School Staff on Summer EBT  (Overview of Basic Program Info, for CEP Schools):

Kentucky’s Summer EBT program is back!

The Summer EBT program provides grocery benefits to families with school-aged children in our community. Last year, Summer EBT helped over 395,000 kids in Kentucky get the healthy food that they usually enjoy while they’re in school! 

• Summer EBT is for school-aged children in households that are at or under 185% of federal poverty guidelines. 
• Families receive $120 per eligible school-aged child for groceries (on an existing EBT card or new Summer EBT card)
• Most eligible families will be automatically enrolled, but some will need to apply.
• In our CEP school(s), families who aren’t receiving SNAP, KTAP, income-based Medicaid or Kinship Care may need to apply.
• Families can check here if they need to apply, or if they should receive Summer EBT automatically: feedingky.org/sebteligibility

Families can learn more about Summer EBT in Kentucky at bit.ly/KY-SummerEBT

Social Media Content

💡We’ve created five different social media images & captions to use over the next months. Timing these messages will help to reach families in your communities right when they need them the most!

1. GENERAL AWARENESS & ELIGIBILITY

Download English Image Here

Image text: 

Summer EBT is back! This program provides $120 of extra grocery benefits to families (like yours!) in our community.

Caption: 

Need a little help with the cost of groceries when your kids are home for the summer? Summer EBT is for school-aged children in households who need it. If you received Summer EBT last year and are eligible this year, your 2025 benefits will be loaded onto your existing EBT card. Score!

Learn more at bit.ly/KY-SummerEBT

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Download Spanish Image Here

Image text: 

¡Vuelve Summer EBT! Este programa proporciona $120 adicionales en beneficios para comprar alimentos a familias (¡como la tuya!) en nuestra comunidad.

Caption: 

¿Necesitas una pequeña ayuda con el costo de los alimentos cuando tus hijos están en casa durante el verano? Summer EBT es para los niños en edad escolar en los hogares que lo necesitan. Si recibieron apoyo de Summer EBT el año pasado y son elegibles este año, tus beneficios de 2025 se cargarán automáticamente a tu tarjeta EBT existente. 

Más información en bit.ly/KY-SummerEBT

2. CEP ONLY: FIND OUT IF YOU NEED TO SIGN UP

Download English Image Here

Image text: 

Is your family already enrolled for Summer EBT? You may be eligible even if your student has not received SNAP, KTAP, income-based Medical Assistance (Medicaid), or Kinship Care… You just need to apply. Find out today!

Caption

Summer EBT helps families with $120 in extra support for groceries for kids when school’s out! Most eligible families on SNAP, KTAP, income-based Medical Assistance (Medicaid), or Kinship Care are automatically enrolled, but others (like you!) may qualify too. You just need to apply. It’s quick and easy. Find out if you’re eligible and apply today at feedingky.org/sebteligibility

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Download Spanish Image Here

Image text: 

¿Tu familia ya está inscrita en Summer EBT? Puedes ser elegible incluso si tu estudiante no ha recibido SNAP, KTAP, Asistencia Médica basado en ingresos (Medicaid), o Kinship Care … solo tienes que inscribirte. Averígualo hoy mismo.

Caption

¡Summer EBT ayuda a las familias con $120 en apoyo adicional para comprar alimentos para los niños cuando terminan las clases! La mayoría de las familias elegibles en SNAP, KTAP, Asistencia Médica basado en ingresos (Medicaid), o Kinship Care son inscritas automáticamente, pero otras (¡como la tuya!) también pueden calificar. Solo tienes que inscribirte. Es fácil y rápido. Averigua si calificas e inscríbete hoy mismo en feedingky.org/sebteligibility

3. PROGRAM PURPOSE & CONNECTING THE DOTS

Download English Image Here

Image text: 

You’ve got options for healthy food this summer! Summer EBT and SUN Meals work together to help support families in our community

Caption: 

Summer EBT works alongside other programs like SUN Meals (Summer Meals) to help make sure kids in Kentucky are getting nutritious food all year round.

Have you made a plan for your summer meals? 

🍎If you haven’t already received or signed up for Summer EBT, there’s still time! You can check your eligibility at feedingky.org/sebteligibility

[optional: include info on local Summer Meals availability]

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Download Spanish Image Here

Image text:

¡Tienes opciones para alimentos saludables este verano! Summer EBT y SUN Meals trabajan juntos para ayudar a las familias de nuestra comunidad.

Caption: 

Summer EBT trabaja junto con otros programas como SUN Meals (Summer Meals) para ayudar a asegurar que los niños de Kentucky reciban alimentos nutritivos durante todo el año.

¿Has hecho un plan para tus comidas de verano? 

🍎 Si aún no has recibido ni te has inscrito para Summer EBT, ¡todavía estás a tiempo! Puedes averiguar tu elegibilidad en feedingky.org/sebteligibility

[Optional: include info on local Summer Meals availability]

4. BACK-TO-SCHOOL-PUSH

Download English Image Here

Image text: 

Don’t miss out on Summer EBT support. If you didn’t sign up over the summer, there’s still time!

Caption:

Welcome back to school! Didn’t get your Summer EBT benefits yet? It’s not too late!

You can apply for Summer EBT for summer 2025 until August 15th. Eligible families will receive $120 per school-aged child.

Apply today at kysebt.ky.gov

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Download Spanish Image Here

Image text:

No te pierdas la ayuda de Summer EBT. Si no te inscribiste durante el verano, ¡aún estás a tiempo!

Caption:

¡Bienvenido a la escuela! ¿Aún no has recibido tus beneficios de Summer EBT? ¡No es demasiado tarde!

Puedes solicitar Summer EBT para el verano de 2025 hasta el 15 de agosto. Las familias que califican recibirán $120 por niño en edad escolar.

Ingresa hoy en kysebt.ky.gov

5. CLOSING OUT & DON’T FORGET TO USE YOUR BENEFITS!

Download English Image Here

Image text: 

Are your Summer EBT benefits still on the shelf? It’s time to use them before they expire! You’ll have 122 days to spend your SEBT benefits once they are issued to your EBT card.

Caption: 

🍎 Your Summer EBT benefits aren’t shelf-stable. After they are issued, they need to be used in 122 days (about 4 months), or they will expire. This means it’s the perfect time to stock up on favorites and try some new nutritious foods your kids will love!

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Download Spanish Image Here

Image text: 

¿Aún no has usado tus beneficios de Summer EBT? ¡Es hora de utilizarlos antes de que se venzan! Tendrás 122 días para usar tus beneficios SEBT una vez que se emitan en tu tarjeta EBT.

Caption

🍎 Tus beneficios de Summer EBT no son eternos. Después de que se emiten, tienen que ser utilizados en 122 días (aprox. 4 meses), o se vencerán. ¡Esto significa que es el momento perfecto para abastecerte de tus alimentos favoritos y probar algunos alimentos nutritivos nuevos que a tus hijos les encantarán!

CEP Schools: Messages & Materials

💡 We created specific messages and materials to use at CEP schools because it can be confusing to understand if children are receiving benefits automatically or need to apply. We want to work extra hard to inform these families! There are two email messages with guidance on timing of when to send them, text messages, robocall scripts, and a flyer that you can download and print.

Use the buttons below to jump to a specific resource!

Email 1: Awareness and Sign-Up

English

Subject line: It’s time to sign up for Summer EBT!

Dear parents and families, 

We’re reaching out to share important information about the Summer EBT program. It’s just one program that can help families access healthy food over the summer. 

What is Summer EBT?

Summer EBT provides an extra $120 per school-aged child for groceries during summer break. Last year, this program helped over 395,000 children in Kentucky access nutritious food while they were out of school!

Check to see if you’re eligible for Summer EBT

You are eligible if your household is at or under 185% of federal poverty guidelines. Most eligible families on SNAP, KTAP, income-based Medical Assistance (Medicaid), or Kinship Care are automatically enrolled, but others (like you!) may qualify too. Check feedingky.org/sebteligibility to see if you are eligible and need to sign up. It’s quick and easy.

Sign up for Summer EBT today! 

You can sign up at kysebt.ky.gov. 

Summer EBT works alongside other programs like SUN Meals to ensure children in Kentucky have access to nutritious food year-round. 

If you received Summer EBT last year and are eligible again, look for your benefits on last year’s card. 

• If you need a replacement and have not moved, you can contact EBT Customer Service at 888-979-9949 to request a replacement. 
• If you have moved, call the DCBS Call Center at 855-306-8959 to update your address and receive a new card.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Spanish

Asunto: ¡Es hora de inscribirse en Summer EBT!

Estimados padres y familias, 

Queremos compartir información importante sobre el programa Summer EBT. Es sólo uno de los programas que pueden ayudar a las familias a acceder a alimentos saludables durante el verano. 

¿Qué es Summer EBT?

Summer EBT proporciona $120 dólares adicionales por niño en edad escolar para comprar alimentos durante las vacaciones de verano. El año pasado, este programa ayudó a más de 395,000 niños de Kentucky a acceder a alimentos nutritivos mientras no estaban en la escuela.

Consulta si eres elegible para el Summer EBT

Tú eres elegible si tu hogar está en o por debajo del 185% de los niveles federales de pobreza. La mayoría de las familias elegibles en SNAP, KTAP, Asistencia Médica basado en ingresos (Medicaid), o Kinship Care son inscritas automáticamente, pero otras (¡como tú!) también podrían calificar. Comprueba aquí feedingky.org/sebteligibility para ver si cumples los requisitos y necesitas inscribirte. Es rápido y fácil.

¡Inscríbete en el Summer EBT hoy mismo! 

Puedes inscribirte a través de: kysebt.ky.gov  

Summer EBT trabaja junto con otros programas como Summer Meals para asegurar que los niños de Kentucky tengan acceso a alimentos nutritivos durante todo el año. 

Si recibieron Summer EBT el año pasado y son elegibles otra vez, esté atento a los beneficios en la tarjeta del año pasado. 

• Si necesitas solicitar una tarjeta de reemplazo y no se ha mudado de casa, puedes comunicarte con el Servicio de Atención al Cliente de EBT a 888-979-9949 para solicitar un reemplazo.
• Si has mudado de casa, llama al Centro de Llamadas de DCBS a 855-306-8959 para actualizar tu dirección y recibir una tarjeta nueva.

Email 2: Welcome Back to School

English

Subject line: Don’t miss out on Summer EBT support for your kids! 

Dear parents and families,

As we kick off a new school year, we wanted to make sure you don’t miss out on Summer EBT support. If you haven’t already received your Summer EBT benefits, eligible families can still sign up to receive $120 per school-aged child until August 15th. This extra food support can help your family as you adjust to the new school year routines.

Check to see if you’re eligible for Summer EBT

If you haven’t received Summer EBT benefits for your child and could use extra food support, check to see if you’re eligible: feedingky.org/sebteligibility

Next, sign up for Summer EBT

If you’re eligible, you can apply online at  kysebt.ky.gov. 

Once you apply and are enrolled, keep an eye out for an eligibility notice in your mailbox. Your Summer EBT benefits will arrive on your existing EBT card or, if you do not have one, a new Summer EBT card in the mail. If you have questions, go to bit.ly/KY-SummerEBT

Start the school year off right, with healthy grocery support from Summer EBT. 

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Spanish

Asunto: ¡No te quedes sin la ayuda de Summer EBT para tus hijos! 

Estimados padres y familias,

Ahora que empieza un nuevo año escolar, queremos asegurarnos de que no te pierdas la ayuda de Summer EBT. Si aún no has recibido tus beneficios de Summer EBT, las familias elegibles todavía pueden inscribirse para recibir $120 por niño en edad escolar hasta el 15 de agosto. Este apoyo adicional para alimentos puede ayudar a tu familia mientras se adapta a las rutinas del nuevo año escolar.

Consulta si eres elegible para Summer EBT

Si no has recibido los beneficios de Summer EBT para tus hijos y te vendría bien una ayuda adicional para alimentos, comprueba si calificas: feedingky.org/sebteligibility

A continuación, inscríbete en Summer EBT

Puedes inscribirte a través de kysebt.ky.gov 

Una vez que te hayas inscrito, espera a recibir un aviso de elegibilidad en tu buzón. Tus beneficios Summer EBT llegarán en una tarjeta EBT existente o, si no tienes una, una nueva tarjeta de Summer EBT en tu buzón. Si tienes preguntas, visita bit.ly/KY-SummerEBT

Empieza con fuerza el año escolar, con la ayuda de Summer EBT para la compra de comestibles saludables. 

Take-Home Flyer

Download Flyer Here in English

Download Flyer Here in Spanish

Robocall Script

English

Hello! This is an important message from your child’s school about signing up for Summer EBT support. 

Summer EBT is back! This program provides $120 in extra grocery benefits to eligible families with school-aged children during summer break. Last year, it helped 395,000 kids in Kentucky access healthy food over the summer.

Most eligible families will be automatically enrolled, but some will need to apply. Signing up is quick and easy. Check if you need to apply at feedingky.org/sebteligibility

Thank you and have a great day.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Spanish

¡Hola! Este es un mensaje importante de la escuela de tus hijos sobre cómo inscribirse para el apoyo de Summer EBT. 

¡Vuelve Summer EBT! Este programa proporciona $120 adicionales en beneficios de comestibles a familias elegibles con niños en edad escolar durante las vacaciones de verano. El año pasado, ayudó a 395,000 niños de Kentucky a acceder a alimentos saludables durante el verano.

La mayoría de las familias que califican serán inscritas automáticamente, pero algunas deberán solicitarlo. Inscribirse es rápido y fácil. Averigua si necesitas inscribirte en  feedingky.org/sebteligibility 

Gracias y que tengas un buen día.

Text Message Content

English

Summer EBT is back! Are you already signed up?

At your child’s school, unless you’re receiving SNAP, KTAP, income-based Medical Assistance (Medicaid), or Kinship Care, you may need to sign up for Summer EBT. Here’s the deal: 

Summer EBT helps families with $120 in extra support for groceries for kids when school’s out! Most eligible families are automatically enrolled, but others (like you!) may qualify too. You just need to apply. It’s quick and easy. Find out if you’re eligible here:  feedingky.org/sebteligibility  

Then, if you’re eligible and need to apply, go to: kysebt.ky.gov

We’re here to help answer questions, just ask! 

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Spanish

¡Vuelve Summer EBT! ¿Ya estás inscrito?

En la escuela de tus hijos, a menos que estés recibiendo SNAP, KTAP,  Asistencia Médica basado en ingresos (Medicaid), o Kinship Care, es posible que necesites inscribirte en Summer EBT. De esto se trata: 

¡Summer EBT ayuda a las familias con $120 dólares adicionales de ayuda para los alimentos de los niños cuando se acaban las clases! La mayoría de las familias que califican son inscritas automáticamente, pero otras (¡como la tuya!) también pueden calificar. Solo tienes que inscribirte. Es fácil y rápido. Averigua si calificas y necesitas inscribirte hoy mismo en feedingky.org/sebteligibility  

Si eres elegible y necesitas inscribirte visita kysebt.ky.gov

Estamos a tu disposición para resolver cualquier duda, ¡pregúntanos!