Arkansas

In Arkansas, recent legislation and state programs are significantly expanding access to meals for students. Beginning with the 2025–26 school year, every public school student in the state will have access to free breakfast, thanks to a newly passed law backed by both state and federal funds, including Arkansas’s Food Insecurity Fund.

Arkansas is also continuing its commitment to summer nutrition through the Summer EBT program. In 2025, eligible families will receive $120 per child to help cover grocery costs while school is out. Most families who participated in last year’s program will have funds loaded directly onto their existing EBT cards, while new participants will receive cards by mail. Children receiving SNAP benefits are automatically enrolled, and others can apply based on household income.

FoodCorps continues to support these efforts through partnership with the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, working to ensure every child in the state has consistent access to healthy food year-round.