This summer, more than 21 million children in the U.S. are expected to receive food benefits through a newly permanent federal program, according to the USDA. Thirty-five states opted into the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program, or Summer EBT, which is meant to supplement existing programs during the summer that have had more limited capacity. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “No child in this country should ever go without food, they definitely shouldn’t go hungry because they lose access to meals that schools provide during the summer.” This initiative is going to provide millions of children with the ability to receive nutritious food, outside of school hours in the summer. ■ usda.gov