Food insecurity is a nationwide problem. When schools are closed during the summer break, many children need access to healthy and nourishing meals. The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program can help vulnerable low-income families meet this need.

In 2022, Congress created the nationwide Summer EBT program to combat child hunger throughout the summer for students who depend on school meals. Cash assistance is provided to eligible students who receive free or reduced-price meals at school.

Eligible students receive $40 per month for each summer month, totaling $120 per child. Money is provided through an EBT card, which functions like a credit or debit card and can be used to buy food at authorized stores.

Who is eligible?

Children enrolled in schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and who qualify for free or reduced-price meals are eligible for Summer EBT. (More information about School Nutrition Programs can be at School Nutrition Programs: Your Child Could Be Eligible) This includes preschoolers, students through high school, and children with disabilities in special education programs.

Summer EBT benefits will be provided for students who are:

• New Jersey residents,
• In grades K-12 eligible for free or reduced-price school meals,
• Attending a school enrolled in NSLP or SBP,
• In a family that completed and submitted a school meal application for their children, and
• In a household at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

If your child is homeschooled or attends a school that does not participate in NSLP/SBP, they may still qualify if your household received SNAP, TANF, income-eligible Medicaid, or Foster Care benefits during the 2024–2025 school year and your child is between 6 and 16 years old.

This information last reviewed: Jul 9, 2025