ALBANY- Nearly 1.6 million low-income children across New York have already received summer food assistance through the state\u2019s Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program, Governor Kathy Hochul announced this week.<\/p>\n
The program provides eligible families with a one-time payment of $120 per child to help cover the cost of groceries during the summer months, when many students no longer have access to free school breakfasts and lunches.<\/p>\n
According to the governor\u2019s office, about $189 million in benefits has already been distributed since payments began in mid-June.\u00a0 State officials expect approximately $240 million in assistance to reach an estimated 2 million school-aged children by the end of the year.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaking sure every young person has the nourishment they need to thrive is central to my fight to invest in our children\u2019s future and make life more affordable for New Yorkers,\u201d Hochul said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Most eligible families receive the benefits automatically, including those already enrolled in SNAP, Public Assistance or Medicaid. However, some families must submit an application to receive benefits. The application deadline is September 8th.<\/p>\n
The Summer EBT program is administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and is funded by the federal government.\u00a0 Benefits can be used like SNAP benefits to purchase eligible food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and whole grains at authorized grocery stores, farmers markets and other participating retailers.<\/p>\n
State officials said children qualify if they attend a school participating in the National School Lunch Program and meet income requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance said the program helps reduce food insecurity during the summer months when school meal programs are unavailable.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy providing vital nutrition support to children from lower-income families during the summer, the program helps ensure children receive the healthy food they need to thrive during the summer and start the school year ready to learn,\u201d Guinn said.<\/p>\n
Families who received Summer EBT benefits last year and used their card will receive this year\u2019s benefits on the same card. New participants and families that did not use last year\u2019s benefits will receive a new card by mail.<\/p>\n
Summer EBT benefits remain available for 122 days after they are issued. Any unused funds expire after that period, and state officials encourage families to use the benefits promptly.<\/p>\n
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