Thousands of Oregon families began receiving Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) food assistance this week as the state launches its third year of the program aimed at reducing child hunger during summer break.
Beginning June 5, eligible families automatically started receiving $120 per child to help purchase groceries while school is out and access to school meals is limited.
The Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Department of Education estimate approximately 360,000 children statewide will receive benefits through the program this year.
Summer EBT provides financial assistance for families to buy food during the summer months and is expected to bring more than $43 million into local grocery stores, farmers markets and other food retailers across Oregon.
Most families with children ages 6 to 18 who received SNAP food benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), qualifying Medicaid benefits or foster care services during the 2025-26 school year will receive benefits automatically.
Children identified through schools as migrant, homeless or runaway students may also qualify automatically, along with children participating in certain tribal food assistance or Head Start programs.
Families who do not automatically receive benefits may still qualify and are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and submit an application.
The online application period opened June 5 and will remain available through Sept. 1. State officials encourage families to check their EBT card balances to confirm benefits have been received.
Education officials say the program helps ensure children continue to have access to nutritious food during the summer months when school meal programs are unavailable.
According to state officials, Summer EBT benefits are available regardless of immigration status and do not count toward public charge determinations. Children may only receive Summer EBT benefits from one state.
Families can learn more, check eligibility requirements or apply for benefits through the state’s Summer EBT program website (https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/pages/sebt.aspx) or by contacting the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-673-7328.
The call center will remain open through Sept. 25.
Reach Publisher Teresa Pearson at [email protected].