Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas joined Governor Kathy Hochul at a press conference highlighting New York’s 2026 Summer Meals Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program, which has already delivered more than $216 million in food assistance to more than 1.8 million low-income children across the state. Summer EBT provides eligible families with $120 per school-aged child to help purchase nutritious food during the summer months, when children lose access to free school meals. Benefits will continue to be distributed through the fall and the end of the year, with more than $230 million in food assistance expected to reach nearly two million school-aged children statewide. Assembly Member González-Rojas has been a longtime champion of Summer EBT and helped lead the effort to bring the program to New York families.
“Summer should be a time for children to learn, play, and grow, not a time when families are forced to choose between putting food on the table and paying the bills. I’m proud to have been part of the fight for Summer EBT, which provides a critical lifeline to nearly two million children across New York and helps families keep their children fed when school is out,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas.
Families who are not automatically enrolled but believe their children are eligible can apply for Summer EBT benefits. Applications for 2026 benefits must be submitted by September 8, 2026. To learn more about Summer EBT eligibility or apply for benefits, visit ny.gov/SummerEBT
Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas joined Governor Kathy Hochul at a press conference highlighting New York’s 2026 Summer Meals Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program