Nevada Continues Fight Against Childhood Hunger

Las Vegas — Approximately 302,000 Nevada children will receive summer food assistance through the State’s Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (S-EBT) program as part of Nevada’s ongoing efforts to combat childhood hunger. S-EBT provides $120 per eligible child to help replace access to free or reduced school meals during the summer months when school is out of session.

On May 23, the Nevada Division of Social Services, the state agency that administers the nation’s largest food assistance program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), issued approximately $18 million in benefits to more than 157,000 eligible children who were automatically eligible for the program. 

Children were automatically eligible for S-EBT if during the 2025–2026 school year they met any of the following criteria:

• Attended a school participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or National School Breakfast Program and met income requirements.
• Received SNAP, TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits regardless of whether they attended a school participating in a free or reduced-price meal program.
• Received Medicaid regardless of whether they attended a school participating in a free or reduced-price meal program and met the applicable income requirements.

“DSS has worked closely with the Nevada Department of Education for the past three years to determine which families are eligible,” Deputy Administrator Kelly Cantrelle said. “Their partnership allows DSS to distribute these benefits quickly to families that need additional support during the summer months.”

Families were notified by email and text message when benefits were issued to existing S-EBT cards. Households receiving SNAP and/or TANF benefits were notified by mail that S-EBT benefits had been added to their existing EBT cards. S-EBT benefits may be used in addition to other food assistance benefits and programs.

“Thousands of students across Nevada rely on nutritious school meals, fueling them to succeed in the classroom,” said Dr. Victor Wakefield, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “We recognize that the need for meals continues during the summer months. We are proud to partner with the Nevada Division of Social Services to support students and families.”    

An additional $17 million in benefits will be issued to more than 144,000 children on new S-EBT cards that will be sent by mail. Approximately 5,000 cards will be issued daily through mid-July. Families will be notified through email and text as benefits are issued. 

Families can visit the Access Nevada Summer EBT portal to determine if their children were automatically eligible for the program. Families who believe their children are eligible for S-EBT can apply through the same portal. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 9.

Families that are struggling with food insecurity can also apply for SNAP benefits at AccessNevada.nv.gov.

About the Division of Social Services

Nevada Division of Social Services administers safety-net programs that support and promote the safety, stability, and well-being of all Nevadans. For additional information on available programs, visit DSS.nv.gov.

About Summer EBT

Program information, eligibility guidelines, and frequently asked questions are available on the DSS website. Anyone who believes their child may be eligible for S-EBT is encouraged to apply through the S-EBT benefits portal.