The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance recently announced the launch of a new program aimed at combating food insecurity and hunger among school-aged children in New York. Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn expressed gratitude towards Governor Hochul for her commitment to enabling New York to join the Summer EBT program, which will ensure that students who 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.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer also praised the initiative, 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 at its peak for children in New York. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand echoed these sentiments, noting that the nearly $200 million allocated for the program will provide a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of families statewide.
Representative Dan Goldman emphasized the significance of the Summer EBT program in providing relief to working families across the state. The initiative, originally passed by Democrats and signed into law by the Biden-Harris Administration, will offer $120 per eligible child during the critical summer months when child food insecurity spikes. Goldman expressed his commitment to working with colleagues to roll out the program, bolster SNAP benefits, and ensure that no child goes hungry.
Eligible children are receiving Summer EBT food benefits on an EBT card that their families can use 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 not automatically enrolled can apply for benefits by visiting the ny.gov/SummerEBT website.
State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud commended Governor Hochul for providing support to families through the Summer EBT program, which will help ensure that children have access to healthy meals during the summer months. State Senator Brian Kavanagh also praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of addressing food insecurity in low-income households.
Assemblymember Maritza Davila emphasized the critical role of the Summer EBT program in providing healthy meals to children during the summer, especially for those who rely on school meals during the rest of the year. Assemblymember Harvey Epstein echoed these sentiments, noting that the program is essential in preventing children from going hungry.
Councilmember Carlina Rivera highlighted the importance of Summer EBT in bridging the gaps in food security for students during the summer months. Director of No Kid Hungry New York Rachel Sabella and Hunger Free America CEO Joel Berg both praised the initiative for its impact in reducing child hunger and supporting the food economy in New York.
LES Girls Club Chief Program Officer Michelle Grier shared her organization’s experience in addressing food insecurity and emphasized the importance of Governor Hochul’s investment in food assistance. The expansion of the Summer EBT program is seen as a vital step in ensuring that families have access to healthy food and can meet their basic needs.
Overall, the Summer EBT program in New York is a significant step towards addressing food insecurity and hunger among school-aged children. The initiative has garnered support from various officials and organizations, highlighting the importance of ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals year-round.
