Deadline to apply for Summer EBT is September 4 – visit summerebt.ny.gov to check your eligibility and apply

THE BRONX, NY – Today, Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala and No Kid Hungry New York held a community education event informing families about the upcoming September 4 deadline to sign up for Summer EBT, a food benefit program that helps low-income families with school-age children buy groceries. 

Summer EBT provides eligible New York families with a one-time installment of $120 per child on their EBT cards, which can be used to pay for groceries and household essentials. Now in its second year, the Summer EBT program will provide approximately $250 million in grocery benefits for more than 2 million children in every corner of the state. New Yorkers can check their eligibility and submit an application ahead of the deadline by visiting summerebt.ny.gov.  

Rising costs are continuing to put healthy meal options out of reach for many New York families. Earlier this year, No Kid Hungry New York released survey data showing that 86% of New York City households said the cost of food was rising faster than their income. 53% of New Yorkers also reported that their debt has increased in the past year due to the cost of food. Summer EBTgrocery benefits are critical to bridge this gap and help families across New York keep food on the table.  

Photos from today’s event can be found here.  

“Food insecurity is a major and growing issue for New Yorkers, and it’s critical that our government invest in services to fight hunger,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Especially with 1 in 4 children experiencing poverty, Summer EBT is a lifeline for working families during these summer months, ensuring that our youngest have what they need to stay healthy, safe, and nourished all year long. I thank Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, No Kid Hungry, and our community advocates for working to make sure that our families are informed and can access this vital benefit.” 

 “Our city’s affordability crisis and rising costs are leaving too many families struggling to put food on the table,” said Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala. “No child in New York City should ever go to bed hungry. Programs like Summer EBT and the work of No Kid Hungry are a lifeline, ensuring that children in the Bronx and across our city get the nourishment they need to grow, learn, and thrive. I’m proud to stand with our partners to make sure all families get connected to the resources they need.”  

“Programs like Summer EBT help to ensure that every child in our area can get three healthy meals a day, which is essential to their health, learning, and well-being,” said Rachel Sabella, Director of No Kid Hungry New York. “It’s not too late to enroll, and I encourage families to check their eligibility and apply before the September 4 deadline. These programs don’t happen without leaders and advocates like Deputy Speaker Ayala, and we’re grateful for her help spreading the word to families so kids can get the food they need all year long.”  

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