NYC Families Urged to Apply for Summer Food Assistance Before September Deadline

New York City parents and guardians are reminded that the application window for the federal Summer EBT program remains open through September 8, 2026. The initiative provides $120 in food assistance per eligible school-age child to help offset grocery expenses during the summer months when school-provided meals are unavailable.

Families currently enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Medicaid are automatically qualified for the benefit, with funds typically deposited directly onto existing EBT cards. For those not automatically enrolled, applications must be submitted by the September deadline. Officials advise recipients to utilize these funds promptly, as benefits are set to expire 122 days after they are loaded onto the cards.

Anti-hunger advocates note that the summer period often places significant financial strain on low-income households. According to Rachel Sabella, director of No Kid Hungry New York, many families report having to make difficult choices between purchasing groceries and meeting other essential household obligations. The situation is further complicated this year by recent federal policy changes regarding SNAP work requirements, which have impacted thousands of recipients across the state.

In addition to the EBT program, the New York City Department of Education is operating its annual summer meal service. Through September 4, children under the age of 18 can receive free breakfast and lunch at designated locations, including schools, public parks, swimming pools, and libraries. These sites do not require identification or prior application for participation. Families are encouraged to check the city’s official resources for the most current list of meal distribution sites, as locations may shift throughout the season.