The State of NJ will provide families with $120 per eligible child for the summer to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, or other authorized retailers – similar to how SNAP benefits are used. Summer EBT benefits are separate and apart from any Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits received on a "NJFamiliesFirst" card. Summer EBT benefits will be issued on a separate "New Jersey Summer EBT" benefit card.

Income eligibility for Summer EBT is based on the Federal NSLP/SBP Income Eligibility Guidelines. Therefore, only children in households at or below 185% of the Federal poverty threshold are eligible for Summer EBT. This means that students who qualify for free meals under the New Jersey Expanded Income Eligibility (NJEIE) category are not eligible for Summer EBT because they are considered “Federally Denied” (Paid) students.

Here is a more clear explanation of eligibility:

If your children already qualify for free or reduced meals for the 23-24 school year through Direct Certification, you will automatically be enrolled in this program.

If you filled out a free and reduced meal application and your children received free/reduced meals for the 23-24 school year with the eligibility status FREE or REDUCED, you will automatically be enrolled in this program.

If you filled out a free and reduced meal application and your children receive free or reduced meals for the 23-24 school year with the eligibility status D/SEI, they will NOT be eligible for this program.

If you did not fill out a free and reduced meal application, apply now to see if you qualify for this program.

US Department of Agriculture Summer EBT Program Information Flyer

To check on the status of your SEBT card, please click here.