In Chautauqua County alone, 10,523 youth are classified as economically disadvantaged. Those numbers come from the state Education Department and rates as more than 62% of those enrolled at the 18 districts.

On Thursday, acknowledging those numbers on a larger level, state Gov.. Kathy Hochul today announced that New York has issued nearly $200 million in food assistance to more than 1.5 million low-income children as part of the new Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program. New York is sending $120 per child to eligible families to help pay for healthy meals.

Some eligible families have already begun to receive this assistance and the benefits will continue to be sent in the coming weeks. Hochul also highlighted that more assistance is available, and the state expects approximately 2 million children will qualify to receive this benefit.

“Having access to healthy, nutritious food is essential for children’s health and well-being,” Hochul said. “As New York continues putting money back in the pockets of working families, we’ve already begun sending food assistance to more than 1.5 million kids – and we’re going to keep delivering these benefits to more families in need.”

Summer EBT is a new federally funded program that supports efforts to address food insecurity among children from low-income families. Each state electing to opt into the Summer EBT program is responsible for distributing the $120-per-child benefits to eligible families, as well as covering half of the administrative costs involved in distributing the funds. Governor Hochul ensured that New York would participate in this program and secured $13 million in the State’s FY 2025 Enacted Budget to support Summer EBT distribution efforts throughout the State.

Governor Hochul made today’s announcement at the Lower East Side Girls Club with local advocates and Representative Dan Goldman, who helped secure Summer EBT funding alongside New York’s congressional delegation.

“No child should ever go hungry, which is why I fought to secure federal funding for the Summer EBT program. Summer is often the time of year when food insecurity is highest for children and this assistance for families comes just in the nick of time for New Yorkers,” U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said. “I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s work ensuring that federal dollars are being put to good use addressing food insecurity and helping feed children across New York State.”

Most children who are eligible – including recipients of SNAP, Temporary Assistance, or Medicaid – will automatically receive Summer EBT and do not need to do anything to apply. These families were sent a letter this summer letting them know that their child is eligible.

In addition to those who are automatically receiving benefits, other eligible families may apply to receive benefits for their children. To be eligible, a child must attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and meet the income requirements for free/reduced-price school meals.

To learn more about eligibility and apply, visit ny.gov/SummerEBT. Applications for summer benefits must be submitted by Sept. 3.