$200 Million Boost: New York to Provide Additional $120 Per Child in Summer EBT Benefits to Help Families Afford Nutritious Food

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced an additional $120 per child in Summer EBT benefits, totaling nearly $200 million to assist over 1.5 million low-income children.

New York to Provide Additional $120 Per Child in Summer EBT Benefits to Help Families Afford Nutritious Food

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that families in the state will soon receive an additional $120 per child in Summer EBT benefits. This initiative is designed to help families afford nutritious food during the summer months. Nearly $200 million has been allocated to assist over 1.5 million low-income children. Governor Hochul highlighted the importance of access to healthy food for children’s health and well-being and emphasized the state’s effort to reduce financial pressure on working families while ensuring that children receive the necessary nutrition.

Many families will automatically receive Summer EBT benefits if their children are already enrolled in SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or Medicaid. These families should have received a notification earlier this summer. Additionally, families whose children participate in the National School Lunch Program and qualify for free or reduced-price meals can also apply. The deadline for applying for Summer EBT benefits is September 3. Only one application is needed per family for all eligible children.

READ ALSO: $35 Trillion National Debt: How Green Energy Subsidies Are Fueling The Crisis

(photo: Chalkbeat)

Providing Healthy Food Options for Low-Income Families

According to the report of CBS News, Summer EBT benefits are provided via an EBT card, similar to SNAP cards. This card can be used to purchase nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, whole grains, and dairy products at participating grocery stores and farmers markets. This program is a crucial part of New York’s broader strategy to assist families. The state is also providing an extra $350 million through the Empire State Child Tax Credit to further support low-income families.

The Summer EBT program is a significant component of New York’s efforts to aid families and ensure that children have access to healthy food when school meals are not available. By providing these benefits on an EBT card, the state alleviates financial strain and promotes better nutrition for children during the summer. This program, together with the Empire State Child Tax Credit underscores New York’s dedication to reducing economic hardship and enhancing the lives of its young residents.

READ ALSO: $175.73 To $3,836.16: VA Disability Payments To Increase By 2.63% In December 2024