Summer EBT
The state of New Jersey along with the USDA launches new program to improve food access for kids during summer break. This new program is to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will get $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. Children who get Summer EBT can still participate in other summer meal programs. Receiving Summer EBT will not affect children or families’ immigration status.
Benefits of Summer EBT
- Helps parents and caregivers buy healthy foods for their children.
- Gives families the flexibility to select foods that fit their culture and lifestyle.
- Improves food security and diet quality for children.
Eligibility and Enrollment
Children are eligible for the program if:
- the household already participates in SNAP, FDPIR, TANF, etc., OR
- the child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and the household income meets the federal requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
Many families will get NJ Summer EBT automatically, but some families may need to apply NO LATER THAN June 24, 2024. If your child is certified as eligible for federal free or federal reduced-price school meals and attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, they will be automatically enrolled in Summer EBT.
How Summer EBT Works
The benefits will be mailed on a new EBT card for each child and can be used to buy groceries. Families will receive $120 per eligible child for the summer. Benefits can be used at authorized retailers, like grocery stores and farmers markets, to purchase healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meats and other protein sources, whole grains, and dairy. Click here to learn more.
Thank you for participating in the National School Lunch Program. If you need further assistant please call the Summer EBT Call Center at 1-800-997-3333.
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