New York State is continuing its commitment to supporting low-income families by offering free groceries to children this summer. On the 24th, the state announced the continuation of the federal government\u2019s \u201cSummer EBT\u201d program, which provides groceries to children from low-income families during the summer months when school meals are not available.<\/p>\n
Through this program, over 2.1 million children across the state will receive a \u201cSummer EBT card\u201d that will be loaded with $40 per child per month, totalling $120 for the summer. The cards will be automatically cancelled after 122 days of issuance.<\/p>\n
The groceries that can be purchased using the summer EBT card include fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, and snacks. However, the card cannot be used for hot food, pet food, or alcoholic beverages.<\/p>\n
Applications for the program are open until September 3rd and can be made through the New York State \u2018Summer EBT\u2019 application website: https:\/\/summerebt.ny.gov\/en-US\/.<\/p>\n
New York State has divided beneficiaries into two categories: automatic beneficiaries and those who need to apply. It is estimated that about 1.5 million children from low-income families, who qualify for SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, or free school meals, will be automatic beneficiaries. Residents whose income level is 185% or less of the federal poverty line (less than $57,720 per year for a family of four) need to apply for benefits.<\/p>\n
The state has expressed concern over the low number of applications from beneficiaries who are required to apply. Last year, only 17,158 applications were submitted. New York State is urging eligible residents to apply actively, with an estimated 2.1 million children and families qualifying for the program, including both automatic and application-based beneficiaries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"