SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) is a new food benefit program that will help narrow the hunger gap during the summer when children don’t have easy access to healthy meals at school. Summer EBT will launch in late June and provide $120 for each eligible child to purchase food.
“Summer vacation is just around the corner for families with school-age children, and during the summer many families must budget for an additional 10 meals per child per week. The strain on families’ food budgets can make child hunger even worse. Summer EBT will help,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), which is partnering with the Oregon Department of Human Resources (ODHS) to offer this new program.
“Summer EBT is an evidence-based program proven to reduce childhood hunger and support healthier eating habits. We want to raise awareness about this new program and ensure families know what to expect and what to do when they begin the program,” said ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “Childhood hunger can have lasting effects on health and academic achievement. Connecting all eligible children to Summer EBT will help Oregon children thrive throughout the year and as they grow older.”
Who is eligible for summer EBT food benefits?
Families can find more information about Summer EBT at sebt.oregon.gov .
School-age children are generally eligible for Summer EBT if:
Their household already participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or the Oregon Health Program (OHP, also known as Medicaid), or is in foster care; or
Attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program and your household income meets the eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price school meals, or
They attend schools that offer the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, are enrolled in migrant programs, are experiencing homelessness, participate in food distribution programs on Indian reservations, or participate in Head Start.
Families receiving summer EBT can continue to participate in other food programs at their school or in their community.
Summer EBT benefits are not counted in the public assistance test and are available to children regardless of immigration status.
How will families receive their summer EBT food benefits?
There are two ways families can receive Summer EBT benefits: Approximately 70 percent of eligible children are automatically enrolled in Summer EBT. Families of the remaining 30 percent of eligible children must fill out a short application.
Automatic Enrollment: Families who participate in SNAP, TANF, or OHP are automatically enrolled and do not need to apply. Foster care children are also automatically enrolled. For families who receive SNAP or TANF benefits, the Summer EBT is added to the household’s Oregon EBT card. For families receiving OHP, a new EBT card is mailed to the address on file. Families will receive a letter by mail or email for each eligible child when benefits are sent. Benefits are received in one payment. Application: Families with children who are not automatically eligible can apply for Summer EBT. To be eligible, children must be enrolled in a school that provides free or reduced-price meals and live in a household that meets the income requirements for free or reduced-price meals. At sebt.oregon.gov, families can sign up to receive text or email notifications when it is time to complete their application. As part of the application, families must provide the child’s name, school, date of birth, address, and household income. Families who meet the eligibility requirements will receive an Oregon EBT card in the mail. You will receive your benefits in one payment.
Families can use their summer EBT benefits at stores and farmers markets that accept EBT.
Summer EBT Details
Summer EBT became a new, permanent program for states and certain Indian tribal organizations through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Most states will begin offering Summer EBT in June 2024. Oregon’s participation was made possible by a $12 million investment from the Oregon Legislature. This investment will provide Oregon with $83 million in federal funding, most of which will be provided in the form of grocery benefits for families to spend in their communities.
Additional resources to meet basic needs
Families can get more help through other summer meal programs and food resources: Find local food resources: needfood.oregon.gov Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org Text the word “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304 Learn about government programs and local resources for seniors and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon 1-855-673-2372 or https://www.adrcoforegon.org Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211, visit www.211info.org Contact your local Community Action Agency to find local resources and support: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
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