For schoolchildren across the nation, the countdown to Summer is meant to be an exciting time. With the calendar for school winding down and an exciting season of fun ahead, this special time should be a highlight in every child’s memory. For children who struggle with food insecurity, however, the closure of school can introduce newfound uncertainty regarding where their next meal will come from. Countless children both here and throughout the nation rely upon the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program to provide regular access to hearty, nutritious meals. But who fills this need when school is no longer in session? Officially launching for 2024, NJ Summer EBT is here to bridge the gap and help keep our children thriving all Summer long.
In a win for children all throughout the Garden State, the State of New Jersey has announced the launch of the NJ Summer EBT program. In order to qualify, children must be 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. If your child meets these qualifications, they will automatically be enrolled for Summer EBT. Children will also qualify if your household participates in SNAP or TANF or if your child is in foster care. Other ways of establishing eligibility if your child’s school participates in the National School Lunch Program include:
- Your child receives free meals at school AND your household income is at or under 185% of the 2023-2024 federal poverty level (see table below); or
- You applied for School Meals through your school district AND your household income is at or under 185% of the 2023-2024 federal poverty level (see table below); 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.
A full list of the eligible guidelines can be accessed on the State of New Jersey’s website, linked here: NJ – Summer EBT.
As a recipient of the Summer EBT program, your child will receive a one-time benefit amount of $120 on benefit cards which will be mailed out in early June. Once you have your Summer EBT benefit card in-hand, you can check the balance of benefits using the following resources:
- Go to NJFamiliesFirst.com or download the “ConnectEBT” app in the Apple App store or Google Play store to create an account to view your current card balance and transaction history.
- Call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-3333 to use the automated phone system to get your balance.
- Check your last store receipt.
For more information regarding the need to know details of this innovative new program, please check out the Summer EBT FAQ, linked here: FAQ – Summer EBT. If you have any questions or would like to find out more about how the program works, please contact your child’s school. You can reach EBT Card Customer Service at 1-800-997-3333 or www.NJFamiliesFirst.com in case you encounter any errors activating and using your benefits. Every child deserves a delicious meal to start their day, and thanks to Summer EBT, nutrition can be accessed all year round.
