In June, 1.6 million children across New York were automatically enrolled to receive $120 through the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA) as part of the summer EBT (electronic benefits transfer) program. Although the majority of households are automatically enrolled in the program, some situations may require individuals to apply.
The OTDA anticipates more than 2 million children across the state to utilize the summer EBT program for its third year, Senior Program Manager Liz Lucas at No Kid Hungry New York said in a July 13 interview. The summer EBT program was created to complement the summer meal program, “…there’s a variety of new tools to really make sure that kids and families have access to healthy meals while school is out.” Lucas went on to say.
Through the No Kid Hungry annual poll and collaborative work with the summer EBT program and the summer meal program, Lucas said they’ve seen an “increased use of these programs.”
No Kid Hungry New York conducted a poll in March revealing 74% of residents across the state over the last year are struggling financially when it comes to the rising cost of groceries.
Households are forced to choose between necessities like transportation, utilities, and housing.
When is the application deadline?
For those who are not automatically enrolled, the deadline to apply for benefits is Sept. 8, 2026.
How do you know if you are automatically enrolled?
Children between the ages of 6 and 16 who are eligible must receive SNAP, Public Assistance or Medicaid any time between July 1, 2025, and September 8, 2026. Students who get free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program are eligible.
A notice notifying the recipient when to expect their benefits was mailed out in late May through June.
How to apply?
The application for the summer EBT benefits can be accessed online at otda.ny.gov/programs/summer-ebt/#apply. If you are unable to access the form online, OTDA also created a PDF version in 12 languages that can be printed and mailed in to 40 North Pearl Street, 9th Floor, Albany, NY 12243.
When do benefits expire?
Recipients will have 122 days after the date the funds were issued before any unused funds are removed. A text notification will be sent out regarding updates about benefits and expiration alerts.
The goal of No Kid Hungry is to address the food insecurity that tends to spike during the summer months when school meals come to a halt. Through their partnerships on the state level and across the country, they’re creating spaces to meet families where they’re at year-round.
Over 2,500 meal sites are live throughout the state; children 18 and under will be eligible for a meal. No registration, documentation or ID is required.
“No child should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from when school lets out for the summer. Yet for too many families across New York, getting to a summer meal site can be a challenge.” Lucas shared in a June 29 press release.
Here are some of the on-site meal locations for Broome and Tioga County offering breakfast and lunch throughout the summer.
Broome County on-site meal locations:
1. A. F. Palmer Elementary School / Windsor Central Middle School, 213 Main St Windsor. Operation details: Meals will be offered until July 30, Monday through Thursday. Breakfast: 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Lunch: 11 a.m. to noon
2. B.C. Center at SUNY Broome Community College: 901 Front St., Town of Dickinson. Operation details: Meals will be offered until August 7, Monday through Thursday. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
3. BOCES Area Center, 435 Glenwood Road, Binghamton. Operation details: Meals will be offered until August 14, Monday through Friday. Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Lunch: 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
4. Boys & Girls Club of Binghamton, 90 Clinton St., Binghamton. Operation details: Meals will be offered until August 21, Monday through Friday. Breakfast: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Lunch: noon to 1 p.m.
5. Binghamton Housing Auth Youth Center: 60 Saratoga Ave. Binghamton. Operation details: Meals will be offered until August 21, Monday through Friday. Breakfast: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Lunch: noon to 1 p.m.
6. Calvin Coolidge School, 261 Robinson St., Binghamton. Operation details: Meals will be offered until August 14, Monday through Friday. Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Lunch: 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
7. Carlisle Apartments: 150 Moeller Street, Binghamton. Operation details: Meals will be offered until August 21, Monday through Friday. Breakfast: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Lunch: noon to 1 p.m.
8. East Middle School, 167 East Frederick St., Binghamton. Operation details: Meals will be available until August 13, Monday through Thursday. Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
9. Lee Barta Community Center, 108 Liberty St., Binghamton. Operation details: Meals will be offered until August 20, every Tuesday and Thursday. Lunch: noon to 1 p.m.
10. Phelps Park Safety Town, 600 State St., Binghamton. Operation details: Meals will be offered until August 31, every Monday through Friday. Breakfast: 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Lunch: 12:30 p.m. to 12:55 p.m.
Tioga County summer meal locations
There are about 40 on-site meal locations within Broome County. To find other locations throughout the state, visit www.nokidhungry.org/free-meal-finder and type in your ZIP code to find the closest locations.
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at KCGrant@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Where to find free summer meals for New York students, EBT details
Reporting by Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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By Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin | USA TODAY Network
