Trenton, NJ – As food insecurity continues to affect New Jersey residents, the state is launching a new initiative to support families enrolled in free or reduced-price school meal programs. Starting next month, eligible families will receive electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards loaded with $120 per child to help purchase groceries during the summer months.

The program, part of a national effort to combat food insecurity, provides $40 monthly per child but will be distributed as a lump sum in New Jersey. “The card will work anywhere that EBT cards are accepted,” stated Mark Dinglasan, director of the state’s Office of the Food Security Advocate. This initiative aims to address the rising food insecurity rates in New Jersey, which have increased from 7.4% to 8.8% according to a 2023 USDA report.

Families can continue to apply for school meal programs throughout the summer, with the operational period extending until mid-August. “Parents can submit that school meal application to their school, and we will be doing data uploads for new students that we didn’t have before,” Dinglasan explained.

This program underscores New Jersey’s commitment to supporting families in need and ensuring that children have access to nutritious food even when school is not in session.