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NJ SUMMER EBT LAUNCHES IN JUNE

Posted on: April 6, 2024 - 11:21am
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In June 2024, New Jersey will launch Summer EBT, a child nutrition program intended to reduce hunger and food insecurity for children during the summer when school is not in session.

  • A new $120.00 grocery benefit is available this summer. Benefits can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, & other places that accepts SNAP/EBT.
  • Most families will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply before April 19, 2024. 

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.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
A child is eligible for Summer EBT benefits if:

  • the household already receives SNAP, TANF, or Foster Care benefits, OR
  • the child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, and the household income meets the requirements for federal free or reduced-price school meals.

WHAT DO FAMILIES NEED TO DO?

  • Follow up with child’s school if they are unsure about the status of the child’s school meal eligibility
    • Families may need to submit a School Meals Application and/or a NJ Department of Education Household Information Survey by no later than April 19, 2024 to see if they qualify for the federal Summer EBT benefit. Applications are available online via the child’s school district website, or paper applications may be obtained at child’s school.
  • Check their address on file with the school, to ensure the EBT card will safely make it to their home.

If your child receives free school meals:
If your child has already been certified as eligible to receive free school meals by your school district AND your household income is below 185% of the 2023-2024 federal poverty level, then your child is automatically eligible to receive the federal Summer EBT benefit, and no further action is required.

If your child does not receive free school meals:
If your child is not already directly certified or categorically eligible, and you did not complete and return an application for free school meals to your child’s school, then you are encouraged to submit a School Meals Application no later than April 19, 2024 to see if you qualify for the federal Summer EBT benefit prior to the start of summer. Applications will still be accepted throughout the summer. To apply for Summer EBT benefits, contact your child’s school. Applications are available online via your child’s school district website, or paper applications may be obtained at your child’s school. 

Access the Outreach Toolkit from Hunger Free NJ here
Let's make sure every eligible family in enrolled. Visit NJ.gov/summerEBT to learn more about this new program.

All eligible lower income families can get Summer EBT regardless of immigration status.