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?

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.

If you filled out a free and reduced meal application and your children receive free or reduced meals for the 2023-2024 school year with the eligibility status D/SEI, 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 PaySchools.

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 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)