Beginning in 2024, New York State will launch Summer EBT, a new program that provides low-income families with food benefits to help cover the cost of groceries when school is out of session.

Eligible children will receive Summer EBT food benefits on an EBT card. Families can use their Summer EBT food benefits to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at authorized retail food stores, farmers markets, and anywhere else SNAP is accepted. Most eligible children will receive Summer EBT food benefits automatically; however, some families will need to apply. An online application will be available in July. 

To apply for benefits or to learn more about Summer EBT, including when and how food benefits will be issued, and how to use them, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/.