Summer EBT 2026

2026  

NJ Summer EBT Program (NEW FOR SUMMER 2026)

Summer EBT is a new-to-NJ child nutrition program intended to reduce hunger and food insecurity for children during the summer when school is not in session. This summer, NJ will be sending an EBT card to every eligible child to purchase food at participating retailers.

 

 

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?

  • Children are automatically eligible for the NJ Summer EBT program and do not need to apply to receive a benefit if:
  • The household received SNAP or TANF between July 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026 and the child
    is enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast
    Program; OR
  • The household received SNAP or TANF between July 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026  and the child
    is not enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast
    Program, but was between ages 6-16 between July 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026; OR
  • The child received Medicaid with qualifying income for the National School Lunch or School
    Breakfast Program between July 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026 and the child is enrolled in a
    school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program; OR
  • The child received Medicaid with qualifying income for the National School Lunch or School
    Breakfast Program between July 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026 and the child is not enrolled in a
    school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program but is
    between ages 6-16 between July 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026; OR
  • The child is a migrant, homeless, a runaway, in foster care, or attends a Head Start program
    administered by the school district, and the child is enrolled in a school that participates in the
    National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program; OR
  • The household applied for and was approved to receive federal free or federal reduced-priced
    school meals through the School Meals and Summer EBT application.

    You do not need to apply, but make sure your address is up to date with your local school district
    and/or your local county social service agency.

If you filled out a free and reduced meal application and your children receive free or reduced meals for the 2026-2027 school year with the eligibility status NJEIE, meaning they receive meal benefits through the NJ Expanded Income Eligibility program, they will NOT be eligible for this program.

 

If you have not yet filled out a free and reduced meal application, please apply now to see if your family is eligible to be enrolled in this beneficial program.

 

You may collect a paper application at your child’s school, download a copy here or complete an application online through https://www.mealtimeapps.com/

 
Flowchart

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 2026-2027 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 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 you are unsure about the status of your child’s school meal eligibility, please contact their school.

 

How will I receive benefits?

A one-time summer benefit amount of $120 will be issued to each eligible child.

 

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.  For the Hoboken Public School District, you may contact Elaine Fucci at (201) 356-3608 or [email protected]

 

Summer EBT Flyer (English)