State Governor Kathy Hochul announces that New York has distributed nearly $200 million in food assistance to more than 1.5 million low-income children through the new Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program.
In Chautauqua County alone, 10,523 youth are considered economically disadvantaged. These figures come from the state Department of Education and represent more than 62% of youth enrolled in the 18 counties.
On Thursday, state Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York has distributed nearly $200 million in food assistance to more than 1.5 million low-income children through the new Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program. New York is sending eligible families $120 per child to fund healthy meals.
Some eligible families are already receiving this assistance, and benefits will continue to be paid out in the coming weeks. Hochul also stressed that more assistance is available and the state expects about 2 million children to be eligible for this benefit.
“Access to healthy, nutritious food is critical to children’s health and well-being,” Hochul said. “As New York continues to put money back into the pockets of working families, we have already begun sending food assistance to over 1.5 million children – and we will continue to provide these benefits to more families in need.”
Summer EBT is a new, federally funded program that supports efforts to address food insecurity among children from low-income families. Each state that chooses to participate in the Summer EBT program is responsible for disbursing the $120 per child benefits to eligible families and covering half of the administrative costs of distributing the funds. Governor Hochul ensured that New York participates in this program, securing $13 million in the state’s fiscal year 2025 budget to support Summer EBT distribution efforts across the state.
Governor Hochul made today’s announcement at the Lower East Side Girls Club alongside local advocates and Representative Dan Goldman, who helped secure Summer EBT funding alongside New York’s congressional delegation.
“No child should ever go hungry, and that’s why I fought to secure federal funding for the Summer EBT program. Summer is often the time of year when food insecurity for children is at its highest, and this support for families comes just in time for New Yorkers,” said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer. “I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s work to ensure federal funds are put to good use to combat food insecurity and help children across New York State get food.”
Most eligible children – including those receiving SNAP, temporary assistance or Medicaid – automatically receive Summer EBT and do not need to do anything to apply. These families received a letter this summer informing them that their child is eligible.
In addition to those automatically eligible, other eligible families may also apply for benefits for their children. To be eligible, the child must attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and meet the income requirements for free/reduced-price school meals.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit ny.gov/SummerEBT. Applications for summer benefits must be submitted by September 3.
