Summer EBT Is Coming to NJ

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.

Most eligible families will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply. The new program is in addition to free meals that kids of all ages can get at Summer Meals sites in their communities.

Benefits of Summer EBT:

Helps parents and caregivers buy healthy foods for their children
Gives families the flexibility to select foods that fit their culture and lifestyle
Improves food security and diet quality for children

Eligibility and Enrollment

Children are eligible for the program if:

the household already participates in SNAP, FDPIR, TANF, etc.

the child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and the household income meets the federal requirements for free or reduced-price school meals

Many families will get NJ Summer EBT automatically, but some families may need to apply.

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. Click here to learn more.

Help Families in Your Community

Spread the word in your community! Let households know about Summer EBT by:

Encouraging families who receive benefits through other programs to make sure their mailing address is up-to-date
Telling families who are automatically enrolled to look in the mail for their card
Encouraging families who may have eligible children to apply

Help us make sure we can reach every eligible family. Visit NJ.gov/summerEBT to learn more about this new program.

Summer EBT Frequently Asked Questions

How does Summer EBT work?

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.

Is my child eligible for Summer EBT?

If your child is certified as eligible for federal free or federal reduced-price school meals and attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, they will be automatically enrolled in Summer EBT.

In NJ, your child is eligible to receive a Summer EBT card if your child’s school participates in the National School Lunch Program AND:

Your child receives free meals at school AND your household income is at or under 185% of the 2023-2024 federal poverty level; or
Your household participates in SNAP or TANF; or
Your child is experiencing homelessness, a migrant, or in foster care; or
Your child attends a Head Start program administered by the school district.

If your child’s school does not participate in the National School Lunch Program, they may still be eligible for Summer EBT if your household participates in SNAP or TANF or your child is in foster care.

Please follow up with your school district if you are unsure if your child’s school participates in the National School Lunch Program.

How do I enroll my child in Summer EBT?

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.

If your child attends a school that provides free meals for every student in the school:

If your child attends a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school, and is not directly certified or categorically eligible, and you did not complete and return a New Jersey Household Information Survey for SY 2023-2024 to your child’s school at the beginning of the school year, then you are encouraged to submit a NJ Department of Education Household Information Survey no later than April 19th, 2024 for the federal Summer EBT benefit prior to the start of summer. NJ DOE Household Information Surveys are available online via your child’s school district website, or paper applications may be obtained at your child’s school.

Please follow up with your child’s school if you are unsure about the status of your child’s school meal eligibility.

How will I receive benefits?

A one-time summer benefit amount of $120 will be issued to each eligible child. Please check with your school that your address listed on your School Meals Application is updated no later than April 19, 2024.

If I have questions about my card, who do I contact?

If you are having trouble activating your card, viewing your balance, changing your pin, or need to report a lost or stolen card and request a replacement, you can contact EBT Card Customer Service at 1-833-997-3333 or online at NJFamiliesFirst.com.

If I have questions about eligibility or my school meal application, who do I contact?

If you have questions about your child’s eligibility status, the address where your card was mailed, or the date of birth listed for your children, please contact your child’s school.