With over 550,000 children in New Jersey already receiving Summer EBT benefits, state officials are urging more families to apply for the program. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort by the USDA to provide food assistance to low-income families with school-aged children during the summer months.
New Jersey is distributing $120 per eligible child for purchasing nutritious food at various authorized retailers. The total distribution in the state is expected to exceed $66 million in federal food security benefits. As schools close for summer, these benefits have been distributed across 722 participating school food authorities.
Governor Phil Murphy stated, "New Jersey students rely on school breakfasts and lunches to get the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive." He emphasized that the Summer EBT program ensures continued access to nutritious foods when school is not in session.
Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn expressed satisfaction with the uptake of the program: “We are pleased that so many eligible children and families have decided to take advantage of this important program that can help provide healthy meal options during the summer months when school lunch programs are not available.”
Eligibility for Summer EBT requires certification through participating school districts involved in national meal programs. Students meeting income thresholds or enrolled in SNAP, TANF, or foster care automatically qualify. Applications remain open throughout summer via local school districts.
The Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development is issuing benefit cards worth $120 per child. These funds can be used immediately for purchases covered by SNAP. Account balances can be checked online or via phone.
Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “School meal programs are vital for New Jersey’s children and families... Families enrolled in SNAP, TANF or the school lunch programs are automatically eligible for Summer EBT."
Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer praised the impact: "The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program has already made a significant impact on the lives of many New Jersey children."
Mark Dinglasan from New Jersey Office of Food Security Advocate noted New Jersey's leadership role: "New Jersey continues to lead food security work in the country through its commitment to Summer EBT.”
