Summer EBT is a new federal program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will receive $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. Children who receive Summer EBT benefits can still participate in other summer meal programs. Receiving benefits will not affect children’s or families’ immigration status.

In New Jersey, Summer EBT benefits will be loaded onto an EBT card and mailed to your home. If eligible, you can use the benefits to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other places that accept WIC or SNAP EBT benefits. Summer EBT is a convenient way for you to help your children thrive.

If your child is not automatically eligible through SNAP, TANF or Foster Care benefits and you did not complete and return a School Meals Application to your child’s school, but believe your child may qualify, you are encouraged to complete a School Meals Application and submit it to your local school district no later than May 14, 2025, to see if you qualify for the Federal Summer EBT benefit prior to the start of summer.

Lunch applications can be found on our website by clicking here, picked up in the school office, or completed online in the Genesis Parent Portal.

See the attached notices for more information.

Q: If my child already qualifies for free or reduced lunch, do I need to re-apply?
A: No, students who are already on a federal free or reduced status will qualify for the program. If your situation has changed, or if you have not applied and wish to see if you qualify, then please fill out an application by May 14, 2025.

Summer EBT 2025
NJDA Summer EBT Flyer_Regular Counting & Claiming_English
NJDA Summer EBT Flyer_Regular Counting & Claiming_Spanish