New Jersey to Launch $120 Per Child Summer EBT Program to Combat Child Hunger

A New Initiative Aims to Ensure No Child Goes Hungry During the Summer Months in New Jersey

In an ambitious effort to tackle child hunger and food insecurity, New Jersey is set to introduce the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program in June 2024. This pioneering child nutrition initiative seeks to provide additional support to families during the summer recess, a period when children are away from the nutritional security provided by school meals.

The Summer EBT program is designed to assist parents and caregivers in purchasing healthy foods for their children, offering a flexible solution that accommodates various dietary needs, cultural preferences, and lifestyles. By enhancing food security and improving diet quality, the program aims to ensure that all children have access to the nutritious meals they need to stay healthy and active during the summer months.

Eligibility and How to Enroll:

Children qualify for the Summer EBT if their household is already enrolled in SNAP, FDPIR, TANF, or similar programs, or if they attend a school participating in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and meet the federal income criteria for free or reduced-price meals. While many families will be enrolled automatically and receive the Summer EBT card by mail, others may need to apply to participate in the program.

Benefits of the Program:

Eligible families will receive $120 per child, loaded onto a new EBT card that can be used at authorized retailers, including grocery stores and farmers' markets. This allowance is intended to cover the purchase of a variety of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, whole grains, and dairy products, providing families with the resources they need to prepare nutritious meals at home.

Community Involvement and Awareness:

The success of the Summer EBT program hinges on widespread community awareness and participation. New Jersey residents are encouraged to spread the word by ensuring families receiving benefits update their mailing addresses, informing automatically enrolled families to expect their EBT card in the mail, and urging eligible households to apply if necessary.

As the Summer EBT program rolls out, it represents a significant step forward in New Jersey's ongoing efforts to eliminate child hunger and food insecurity. By bridging the nutritional gap during the summer months, this initiative promises to make a profound difference in the lives of countless children across the state.

For more information on the Summer EBT program and how to apply, visit New Jersey's Summer EBT webpage. Together, we can ensure that every child in New Jersey enjoys a healthy, hunger-free summer.