Governor Kathy Hochul is directing attention to federal Republicans with her latest initiative aimed at preventing summer hunger among 1.6 million low-income children in New York. Through the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, $194 million has been distributed, providing families with $120 per child to address food insecurity during the summer months when school meals are unavailable. According to the Governor's office, “While Federal Republicans are slashing vital nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, Summer EBT helps millions of children in New York State maintain a healthy diet at a time when they don’t have access to free school meals.”
The Summer EBT program is part of a broader effort to support children’s well-being and academic readiness. New York’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn emphasized the importance of summer nutrition, stating that keeping children fed is essential to their returning to school “ready to learn.” Rachel Sabella of No Kid Hungry New York stated in the press release, “No parent should have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. The Summer EBT program helps make that possible.”
Support for the program extends beyond advocacy groups, with state legislators also backing Hochul’s initiative. State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud highlighted the importance of consistent nutrition for children, while Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi noted the program’s role in helping kids start the school year healthy and prepared.
New Yorkers who are not automatically enrolled in the Summer EBT program have until September 4 to apply. The benefits are provided on an EBT card, which functions like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and can be used at a range of food retailers. According to USDA research, the program has been shown to reduce the rate of very low food security among children by one-third. In addition to addressing immediate nutritional needs, the program is positioned as a broader investment in the state’s future. Assemblymember Maritza Dávila, Chair of the Assembly Social Services Committee, expressed her support, stating, "As Chair of the Assembly Social Services Committee, I am proud to see so many New York families taking advantage of the Summer EBT program." Official projections indicate the program will continue through the summer, with total aid expected to exceed $250 million, reaching approximately 2.2 million school-aged children, as reported by the Governor's office.
The Summer EBT cards offer both functionality and support, with benefits remaining valid for 122 days after issuance before expiring, promoting timely use. The program’s objective is to reduce childhood hunger and improve nutrition during the critical summer months. Families seeking more information on eligibility or how to apply can visit ny.gov/SummerEBT.
