Summer Meals NY
There will be no in-district free meal program this summer now that COVID waivers from the federal government have expired. The school meal program waivers from the USDA allowed BCSD to provide an onsite summer meals program during the height of the pandemic. The good news is that there are many other nearby locations where families can access free summer meals for kids 18 and under during July and August.
To locate the summer site closest to you; visit Summer Meals NY, text “food” to 304-304 or call 1-866-3-HUNGRY.
Summer EBT Food Benefits
New York State has launched a Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, the new program will help eligible families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Each eligible child will receive a one-time installment of $120 in food benefits.
Most eligible children will automatically receive benefits and do not need to apply.
Automatically Eligible:
- The child received SNAP, Temporary Assistance or Medicaid at any time in the 2023-24 school year, OR
- The child has been determined eligible by their school for free/reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program during the 2023-24 school year.
Some children may need to apply. An online application can be found here: New York State Summer EBT Application.
Must Apply:
- The child is not automatically eligible, AND
- The child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program, AND
- The household meets the income requirements for free/reduced-price school meals.
To learn more about Summer EBT, including when and how food benefits will be issued, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/