Summer food help available for students on free, reduced lunch

CONCORD - The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Economic Stability announced recently that New Hampshire will continue to deliver the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program, providing New Hampshire families with eligible school-aged children grocery benefits to purchase food during the summer months when school meals are not available. DHHS has received funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to participate in Summer EBT for a second consecutive year.

School-aged children who attend a school enrolled in the National School Lunch Program/School Breakfast Program (NSLP/SBP) and are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals are also eligible for Summer EBT, which totals $120 per eligible child.

"This is good news for New Hampshire families who need the nutritional support that school meals programs provide from September to June," said DHHS Commissioner Lori Weaver. "But keeping kids fueled and healthy is a year-round effort, and we are pleased that students in communities across the state will have access to a program dedicated to their continued growth and development. Good nutrition is essential for our children, and we are committed to ensuring that families have the resources they need to be successful."

Families enrolled in the NSLP/SBP who received assistance through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid during the 2024-2025 school year will automatically receive Summer EBT benefits unless they opt out of the program. Families not automatically enrolled who meet eligibility guidelines may need to provide DHHS with additional information to enroll in the program and are encouraged to apply.

To learn more about Summer EBT, including eligibility guidelines and to apply, please visit www.dhhs.nh.gov/summerebt.