More than 681,000 eligible children statewide are expected to receive one-time Summer EBT benefits that can be used at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other authorized retailers.
MORRIS COUNTY, NJ – More than 681,000 eligible children in New Jersey will begin receiving Summer EBT benefits in the coming days, giving qualifying families a one-time $120 per child food benefit during the summer months when school is not in session, according to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
The state announced the distribution on June 25, 2026, in partnership with the Department of Human Services, New Jersey Innovation Authority, Department of Education and Office of the Food Security Advocate. The program is expected to distribute more than $94 million in federal food security benefits across New Jersey.
Families can use Summer EBT benefits to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets and other authorized retailers. The Department of Agriculture said more than 734 participating school food authorities are involved in the 2026 program. Eligible students are certified through school districts participating in the National School Lunch and federal School Breakfast programs and must meet the income threshold for free or reduced-price school meals.
School-aged children ages 6 to 16 enrolled in SNAP, TANF, income-eligible Medicaid or foster care are directly eligible regardless of where they attend school. Families can apply for school meals and Summer EBT benefits throughout the summer by contacting their local school district.
“The Summer EBT program continues to make a meaningful difference for children across New Jersey by ensuring they have access to nutritious food when school is out,” said Dr. Lily Laux, Commissioner of Education. “School meals can be a lifeline for many students during the school year, and Summer EBT helps bridge that gap during the summer months. This support helps students stay healthy and ready to learn when they return to school in the fall.”
The Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development has issued new Summer 2026 benefit cards. Each eligible child receives a card, and families have 122 days, or about four months, to use the benefit before unused funds are removed.
More information is available through the state’s Summer EBT website.