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 meals for the 2024-2025 school year through Direct Certification (SNAP, TANF, Foster or Medicaid), you will automatically qualify for Summer EBT.

If you filled out a School Meals and Summer EBT Application and your children receive free meals for the 2024-2025 school year with the eligibility status FREE or REDUCED, you will automatically qualify for Summer EBT.

If you filled out a School Meals and Summer EBT Application and your children receive free meals for the 2024-2025 school year with the eligibility status D/SEI, you will NOT be eligible for this program.

If you did not fill out a School Meals and Summer EBT Application, apply now to see if you qualify.

US Department of Agriculture Summer EBT Program Information Flyer (English)

US Department of Agriculture Summer EBT Program Information Flyer (Spanish)

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