Governor Hochul Highlights Distribution of More Than $216 Million in Food Assistance to More Than 1.8 Million Children Across New York So Far This Summer

Assemblymember Maritza Davila said, "Summer EBT is a lifeline for nearly 2 million New York children and their families, helping put healthy food on the table when school is out. I commend Governor Hochul for making sure families have the resources they need to fight hunger and meet the rising cost of living. As Chair of the Assembly Social Services Committee, I will continue working to ensure no child in New York goes hungry."

Assemblymember Chantel Jackson said, "Summer should never mean a child goes without a healthy meal. Summer EBT puts $120 per eligible child directly in the hands of Bronx families, helping them navigate the rising cost of groceries when school meals aren't available. As a representative for the Bronx, the unhealthiest county in New York State, I'll continue fighting for programs that strengthen food security and ensure every child has access to the resources they need."

Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas said, "Summer should be a time for children to learn, play, and grow, not a time when families are forced to choose between putting food on the table and paying the bills. I'm proud to have been part of the fight for Summer EBT, which provides a critical lifeline to nearly 2 million children across New York and helps families keep their children fed when school is out. At a time when the Trump Administration is attacking the social safety net and making it harder for working families to get by, New York must continue to stand up and fight for our children. We cannot accept a future where any child goes hungry because their family is struggling to make ends meet. We must continue investing in programs like Summer EBT and SNAP, strengthening our food safety net, and ensuring that every family has the resources they need to thrive."

Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson said, "As Chair of the state's Food, Farm and Nutrition Policy Task Force, I applaud the Governor and my colleagues in the legislature for helping to feed nearly 2 million children this year by promoting the Summer EBT program. Additionally, thanks to our collective work during budget negotiations, we secured more than $125 million to supply local food banks and community pantries. Together, we can work to make childhood hunger a thing of the past in the richest state of the richest country in the world, so I invite all families to see if they are eligible for Summer EBT and apply before September 8."

Assemblymember Grace Lee said, "As families struggle with the rising cost of groceries, Trump and Republicans in Washington are making it harder for families to put food on the table. Summer EBT is a proven program that helps nearly two million New York children get the healthy food they need when school is out. I'm grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued leadership in prioritizing programs like this, and I'll continue fighting alongside the Governor to ensure New Yorkers get the support they need to thrive."

No Kid Hungry New York Director Rachel Sabella said, "Summertime can be the most challenging time of year for families already struggling to keep up with the shockingly high grocery bills that have become emblematic of the affordability crisis facing our country. Summer EBT provides $120 in grocery benefits for every eligible child in New York to make it easier for families to afford food when their kids are on summer break. We're grateful to Governor Hochul for championing Summer EBT, now in its third year, and recognizing that families need practical help year-round, including free school meals statewide and an expanded child tax credit. These programs are lifelines, providing families with support as costs continue to rise."

Literacy in Community Deputy Executive Director Eliana Godoy said, "At LINC, we know that children cannot learn and thrive when their most basic needs are not met. Every day, we work alongside families and communities across New York City, equipping parents and caregivers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to support their children's early learning and literacy. But families cannot do this alone. Access to nutritious food is a basic building block of a child's well-being and a public good that helps create the conditions for children to grow, learn and thrive. Summer EBT strengthens the ecosystem around families by easing the added financial pressure of the summer months and helping parents ensure their children have the nourishment they need. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for recognizing that when we invest in families and build strong systems of support around them, we give every child a stronger foundation for success."

Eligible children receive Summer EBT food benefits on an EBT card that their families can use just like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Summer EBT food benefits can be used to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains and dairy at authorized retail food stores, farmers markets and anywhere else SNAP is accepted.

All eligible households are sent a letter before they receive their benefits. Eligible households who used their Summer EBT card in 2025 receive their benefits on the same card as last year. Children who are new to the program in 2026 or did not spend their 2025 benefit receive a new card. For information on replacement cards, visit the Summer EBT website.

To be eligible, a child must attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and meet the income requirements for free/reduced-price school meals.

Most children who are eligible - including recipients of SNAP, Public Assistance, or Medicaid - will automatically receive Summer EBT and do not need to apply.

Other eligible families may need to apply to receive benefits for their children.

The benefits are available on Summer EBT food benefits cards for 122 days after the date they were issued. All unused benefits are removed from the card after this time. Recipients should use their benefits soon after they receive them.

In addition to mailing eligibility letters to households before benefits are issued, texting reminders to use benefits after they are issued, and sending texts and emails with other important Summer EBT updates, OTDA is working with school districts, nutrition support advocates, and other community partners across the state to increase public awareness of Summer EBT. OTDA is also working with the State Office of Customer Experience and other state agencies on cross-agency outreach - including promotions on the ny.gov website and at Thruway Authority rest stops, Department of Labor career centers, and statewide Department of Motor Vehicles locations - to meet families where they are and increase public awareness of this important benefit for New York's families. A variety of outreach materials are available.

To learn more about Summer EBT benefits and eligibility or to apply, visit the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) page. Applications for Summer 2026 benefits must be submitted by September 8, 2026.