New York Governor Hochu announced on August 8 that the new “Summer EBT” electronic benefit transfer card program has provided nearly $200 million in food assistance to over 1.5 million low-income families with school children. The state government estimates that about 2 million children throughout the state are eligible for the program and encourages families who have not yet applied to do so before the deadline on September 3.
Hochu made the announcement at the Lower East Side Girls Club, alongside Congressman Dan Goldman. He mentioned that the “Summer EBT” program has already distributed almost $200 million in food aid to over 1.5 million low-income families with school children. Each eligible child can receive $120 to cover the cost of groceries during the summer months when school meals are not available. Some eligible families have already begun receiving this benefit, with more families set to receive it in the coming weeks.
Summer EBT is a new federal grant program designed to address food insecurity among low-income families with school children. While the federal government covers the actual subsidy costs, participating states are responsible for half of the administrative fees.
According to the state government, low-income families with school children who receive food stamps (SNAP), Temporary Assistance, Medicaid, and other benefits automatically qualify for Summer EBT without the need for application. Other low-income families whose children attend schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and meet the income requirements for free or reduced-price school meals, with household incomes below 185% of the federal poverty line, can also apply.
It is estimated that around 2 million children statewide are eligible for the program, meaning there are still 500,000 eligible children whose families have not yet applied. The state government urges these families to submit their applications before the September 3 deadline. For more information and to apply, families can visit the state government website at: http://NY.gov/SummerEBT.