When school is out for the summer, many children lose access to the regular meals they depend on during the school year. Summer EBT is designed to support New York families with low-incomes and school-aged children during the summer months, when free or reduced-price school meals may not be available.
What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) is a food assistance program that helps families with low incomes purchase groceries for their children while school is out of session. Each eligible child will receive a one-time benefit of $120, issued on an EBT card that can be used anywhere SNAP/EBT benefits are accepted - including at all GrowNYC Greenmarkets and Farmstands.
When will Summer EBT benefits be available:
The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will begin issuing 2025 Summer EBT benefits in June 2025.
Starting June 2, 2025, eligibility letters for Summer EBT 2025 will begin to be mailed and will continue throughout the summer. These letters will take several weeks to be delivered. If you receive an eligibility letter, you will receive a benefit. Benefits will begin to be available on June 18, 2025, and will continue throughout the summer. If you do not receive an eligibility letter or your child's Summer EBT benefit by August 1, 2025, please call the Summer EBT Helpline at 1-833-452-0096.
Spend your Summer EBT at GrowNYC Greenmarket and Farmstand locations.
Summer EBT benefits can be used just like SNAP benefits to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other SNAP-authorized retailers. That means eligible families can use their Summer EBT benefits at their neighborhood GrowNYC Greenmarket and Farmstand locations.
What’s more, you can double your money with Health Bucks!
Spend $2 in SNAP-EBT or Summer EBT and get a bonus $2 Health Buck to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables - up to $10 per day.
Who Qualifies to Receive Summer EBT?
Most families will receive these benefits automatically, but some may need to submit an application. Here’s how eligibility works:
Children will automatically receive benefits if:
- They are ages 6-16 and received SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or Medicaid between July 1, 2024 and September 4, 2025,
OR
- They are directly certified by their school for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program
Not automatically enrolled? You can still apply.
Families whose children are not automatically eligible can submit an application online.
To qualify through an application:
- Your child must attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program
- Your household income must meet the income guidelines for free or reduced-price school meals
The online application is open now and must be submitted by September 4, 2025.
Learn More
We encourage all eligible families to take advantage of this program. For full details on eligibility, how benefits will be distributed, and how to use them, visit the official Summer EBT page at: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/
