It might not feel like the best of times for food support. Earlier this month, President Trump’s “big, ugly bill” made the largest cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in American history. Cuts to SNAP have ripple effects on eligibility for other benefits, especially child nutrition programs.
But even as federal cuts loom — phasing in starting in 2026 — you can access crucial support for your family.
“Summer meals and summer EBT are certainly a bright spot amid all of what’s happening in D.C.,” said Krista Hesdorfer, director of public affairs for Hunger Solutions New York, a nonprofit anti-hunger organization. Its focus is maximizing the reach and effectiveness of federal nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, School Meals and summer EBT.
So while we’re heading into the last stretch of summer, it’s not too late to take advantage of summer food benefits. As Epicenter NYC has reported, families who are eligible for summer EBT can receive $120 per child to cover the summer break. Here’s what else to know about food assistance this season:
- You can still apply for summer EBT
Most families are automatically eligible for summer EBT and don’t need to submit an application. However, for those who do, the application deadline is Sept 4. Find more information and resources at this link.
- Free meals are still available all summer
Summer meals are readily accessible across the city throughout the summer. Most are available at “open sites,” which means any kid in the community can drop by for a meal at no cost. No paperwork is required.
In New York City, the Department of Education has a site finder on their website. And if you’ve been traveling Upstate this summer, you can find sites available statewide at summermealsny.org.
- Here’s where to find more resources
You may qualify for additional federal nutrition programs, like WIC and school meal programs, especially with the expansion of universal school meals.
Also, if you or someone you know is looking for emergency food from a food pantry or soup kitchen, visit the Feeding New York State website. They have maps available for food banks in your area.
Read more of our reporting on food insecurity.
