Summer is often the hungriest time of year for kids. This year, as we rebuild and recover from the devastating economic impact the pandemic has had on families in New York City, No Kid Hungry New York is calling on everyone to set an unprecedented goal: Make 2021 the least hungry summer ever for our kids.
One of the best ways to do that is to make sure families know about several benefits available this summer that can help put food on the table:
Pandemic EBT – Pandemic EBT is a short-term grocery benefit designed to help cover the cost of the school meals students missed while learning remotely or in a hybrid model while school buildings were closed during COVID-19. It provides the value of school meals on an EBT card (or adds the funds to their SNAP or Medicaid card) that can be used at grocery stores. All families with kids in K-12 in the NYC public school system will receive this grocery benefit depending on how many days they were physically in school buildings during School Year 2020-2021. P-EBT benefits are automatic – there’s no need to apply. Use of P-EBT will not impact immigration status. Learn more.
Summer Meals – This summer, any New Yorker can get free “grab & go” meals at schools and pools across New York City starting June 28th. No registration or documentation is required – just visit a meal hub Monday-Friday from 9am to 1pm to receive a breakfast and lunch. To find meal sites in your neighborhood, text NYC FOOD or NYC COMIDA to 877-877. Learn more.
SNAP – SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps New Yorkers buy food by providing monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Card (EBT) that can be spent at local grocery stores and farmers’ markets. Some stores accept SNAP benefits for online purchases of fresh produce and grocery items, making it even easier to provide healthy meals for your family. Benefits are calculated based on factors such as the number of people living in the home, income, and expenses. To be eligible, a household must meet income and residency requirements. There are additional requirements for certain populations to receive SNAP. To apply for SNAP in NYC, New Yorkers can visit the NYC HRA website or use this online eligibility tool to find out if they are eligible for benefits.