The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn recently announced a new program aimed at fighting food insecurity and hunger among school-aged children in New York. The program, known as Summer EBT, ensures that students whose families rely on free or reduced-price school meals during the school year continue to have access to healthy, nutritious food when school is out during the summer. Commissioner Guinn expressed gratitude to Governor Hochul for her commitment to enabling New York to join Summer EBT and recognizing the impact the program will have for low-income students and their families.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer also praised the program, emphasizing that no child should ever go hungry. He highlighted the importance of federal funding secured for the Summer EBT program, especially during the summer months when food insecurity is highest for children. Senator Schumer commended Governor Hochul for her efforts in addressing food insecurity and ensuring that federal dollars are being utilized effectively to feed children across New York State.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand echoed similar sentiments, stating that the nearly $200 million allocated for the Summer EBT program will provide a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of families statewide. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that children have access to healthy, nutritious meals year-round and commended Governor Hochul for her commitment to addressing food insecurity across New York State.
Representative Dan Goldman also expressed his support for the program, highlighting the impact it will have on working families in the state. He emphasized the importance of providing families with $120 per eligible child during the critical summer months when child food insecurity spikes. Representative Goldman underscored the need to continue working towards bolstering SNAP benefits and ensuring that no child goes hungry.
Eligible children are receiving Summer EBT food benefits on an EBT card that their families can use just like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. These benefits can be used to purchase food items like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at authorized retail food stores, farmers markets, and anywhere else SNAP is accepted. Most eligible children, including recipients of SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or Medicaid, will automatically receive Summer EBT benefits without needing to apply. Families who are automatically enrolled were notified via a letter this summer.
In addition to automatic enrollment, other eligible families have the opportunity to apply for benefits for their children. To be eligible, a child must attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and meet the income requirements for free/reduced-price school meals. Families can learn more about eligibility and apply for Summer EBT benefits by visiting the ny.gov/SummerEBT website. Applications for Summer 2024 benefits must be submitted by September 3, 2024.
State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud and State Senator Brian Kavanagh both praised Governor Hochul for her leadership in providing $120 per child through the Summer EBT program. They emphasized the importance of supporting working families and addressing food insecurity throughout the state. Assemblymember Maritza Davila and Assemblymember Harvey Epstein also commended Governor Hochul for issuing nearly $200 million in food assistance to low-income children through the Summer EBT program. They highlighted the critical role of the initiative in providing healthy meals to children during the summer months.
Councilmember Carlina Rivera emphasized the significance of the Summer EBT program in bridging gaps in access to food security for students during the summer break. She commended Governor Hochul for addressing the high costs of living and funding millions to better care for children in need. Director of No Kid Hungry New York Rachel Sabella and Hunger Free America CEO Joel Berg also expressed their support for the program, highlighting its impact on reducing child hunger and boosting the food economy in New York.
LES Girls Club Chief Program Officer Michelle Grier shared insights from the organization’s perspective, emphasizing the importance of addressing food insecurity to ensure families have their basic needs met. She commended Governor Hochul’s investment in food assistance, recognizing the need for families to have access to healthy produce and meals, especially as food costs continue to rise. Grier highlighted the positive impact of the Summer EBT program in empowering families to supplement their meals and supporting children’s overall wellbeing.
In conclusion, the Summer EBT program in New York State is a vital initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity and hunger among school-aged children. With the support of Governor Hochul and various legislators, the program provides essential food benefits to eligible families, ensuring that children have access to healthy, nutritious meals during the summer months. By working together to combat food insecurity, New York is taking significant steps towards ensuring that no child goes hungry.
