05/29/2026
FROM WATERLOO CSD FOOD SERVICES
Summer EBT Program Information
Summer EBT is a food benefit program that helps low-income families with school-age children buy groceries during the summer when kids might not have access to school meals. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which works like a debit card and can be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers. These benefits, combined with other federal nutrition programs like SNAP (https://hungersolutionsny.org/find-food-help/snap/) WIC (https://hungersolutionsny.org/find-food-help/wic/) and summer meal sites ( https://hungersolutionsny.org/find-food-help/summer-meals/), help children get nutritious food while school is out.
Who is Eligible
Many children are automatically eligible for Summer EBT benefits and do not need to submit an application. This includes school-age children who:
Receive SNAP or Temporary Assistance, or are directly certified for free school meals through Medicaid, OR
Have been determined eligible for free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program by their school. Attending a school that offers free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is not enough to qualify.
Some children who are not automatically eligible may be able to receive Summer EBT food benefits by completing an application. https://otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/
To be eligible through an application:
A student must attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program, AND
The household’s income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. https://otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/
How to Apply
Most eligible children will receive Summer EBT benefits automatically and do not need to apply (see above). For those who do need to apply, the Summer EBT application is available on NYSOTDA’s Summer EBT webpage. Families must apply by September 8, 2026 to be considered for 2026 benefits.
Benefit Issuance
Summer EBT provides a one-time payment for the entire summer.
Benefits should be used quickly, as they will be expunged from the benefit card 122 days after issuance.
For more information, visit NYSOTDA’s Summer EBT webpage https://otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/
Please note: The school district and Food Service Department do not issue Summer EBT benefits. These benefits are administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
For additional information, visit the official Summer EBT webpage above.
Sincerely,
Brian Corey
Food Service Director
Waterloo Central School District
In 2024, New York State launched Summer EBT, a new program that provides low-income families with food benefits to help buy groceries during the summer when kids might not have access to school meals. Most eligible children will receive Summer EBT food benefits automatically; however, some families....
