Cherokee Nation steps in as Oklahoma passes on Summer EBT

The Cherokee Nation is hoping to keep thousands of kids fed over the summer break through its Summer EBT program after Oklahoma turned down the statewide program for the third year in a row.

Hunger Free Oklahoma (HFO) says there are around 403,000 children in Oklahoma who would have been eligible to receive Summer EBT if the state had opted in. Instead, it’s partnered with the Cherokee Nation and several other Oklahoma tribes to offer the program to students on tribal land.

For the Cherokee Nation, that means eligible students going to school across its 7,000-mile reservation can enroll in the program. That includes students in parts of Tulsa, Bartlesville and Skiatook. The tribe expects to help around 50,000 children this summer.

HFO says the partnership will only be able to cover around 261,000 students, just over half of the number of students who qualify statewide.

Qualified families will receive $120 per child. The Summer EBT benefit will not affect eligibility for other assistance programs, including SNAP or WIC.

Who is eligible?

Students who get free or reduced-price school meals are eligible for Summer EBT. That includes children attending schools that offer free meals to all students.

How do I apply?

Students at certain participating schools are automatically enrolled in the program. Students who do not attend participating schools can apply for Cherokee Nation Summer EBT by:

1. Filling out an online application
2. Emailing an application to sebt@cherokee.org
3. Mailing a paper application to P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465 Attn: Summer EBT.

Why is Summer EBT not offered statewide?

Oklahoma opted out of the program for Summer 2025. Governor Kevin Stitt says he is confident existing resources, and the end of the state grocery tax, should bridge the gap.