Chickasaw Nation leads in summer food benefits for Native children

The Chickasaw Nation implemented its inaugural Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program in 2024, reaching nearly 150,000 children across its service area and that of the Muscogee Nation, according to a case study by the Food Research & Action Center. The program provides eligible families with about $120 in grocery benefits per child during summer months to address gaps left by traditional nutrition programs.

The study highlights the importance of leveraging partnerships and strong data-sharing agreements with schools. It also recommends expanding eligibility beyond tribes operating WIC, increasing administrative funding, easing regulatory requirements and providing more federal technical support to enable broader tribal participation in Summer EBT.