Summer Food Assistance Just Opened for Families

When school ends, so do free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs for millions of kids. If your family relies on school meals, you’re likely wondering how to bridge that gap over the next three months. The good news: several summer food programs just opened to help.

Summer EBT (Formerly P-EBT)

Summer EBT is the biggest program available. It provides grocery benefits to replace the meals kids would have received at school. In 2026, eligible families receive $120 per child for June, July, and August — loaded onto an EBT card you can use at any grocery store. Learn more about Summer EBT and find state-specific information at: https://www.summerebt.org/.

Who qualifies:

• Kids eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2025-26 school year
• Automatic enrollment in most states if your child was already receiving school meal benefits
• Check your mail for an EBT card between late May and mid-June

No application is required in most cases. If you qualified for school meals, you should automatically receive Summer EBT. If you haven’t received a card by June 15th, contact your state SNAP office. Find your state SNAP office at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory.

Summer Meal Sites (Free Grab-and-Go)

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) operates thousands of free meal sites where kids can pick up breakfast and lunch at no cost. These are usually located at schools, parks, libraries, and community centers.

How it works:

• Kids 18 and under eat free (no application or ID required)
• Meals are served at specific times (usually 11am-1pm for lunch)
• Some sites offer grab-and-go meals, others require eating on-site
• Find sites near you by texting “FOOD” to 304-304 or visiting https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder.

Most sites operate Monday-Friday through August. A few run weekend programs as well.

SNAP Benefits for Families

If you’re not already receiving SNAP (food stamps), summer is a good time to apply. With kids home all day, your grocery costs go up significantly. SNAP benefits can help cover that gap.

SNAP eligibility (rough guidelines): – Household income below 130% of poverty level (about $3,250/month for a family of three) – You’re working, unemployed, or receiving other benefits like TANF or SSI – Benefits average $200-600 per month depending on household size and income

To apply:

1. Visit your state SNAP website (find it here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory)
2. Complete an online or paper application
3. Provide proof of income, housing costs, and household composition
4. Attend a phone or in-person interview
5. Receive benefits within 30 days (7 days if you qualify for expedited processing)

You can also learn more about SNAP benefits at: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/361

WIC for Families with Young Children

If you have kids under 5, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers in your household, you may qualify for WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). WIC provides specific healthy foods like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits, and vegetables.

WIC eligibility: – Household income below 185% of poverty level (about $55,000 for a family of four) – Pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women – Children under age 5

WIC also offers nutrition education and healthcare referrals. Find your local WIC office and eligibility information at: https://www.signupwic.com/.

Local Food Banks and Pantries

Food banks provide emergency groceries at no cost, and many expand their hours during summer months when demand increases. There’s no income requirement — if you need food, you can access a food bank.

Find nearby food pantries at: https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank or call 211.

Ready to see what food assistance your family qualifies for? Many programs have simpler applications than you’d expect, and you can often access multiple programs at once. Review your options now while summer programs are still accepting new families.