Oregon Summer EBT program begins, providing $120 in food benefits per child
OREGON (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program began today, providing a one-time payment of $120 in food benefits for each eligible child. The program is set to help address child hunger across Oregon during summer break and is expected to serve approximately 360,000 children.
Now in its third year, the Summer EBT program ensures children have access to nutritious meals when they no longer receive school meals. Administered jointly by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), the initiative is projected to generate over $43 million in local spending at grocery stores, farmers markets and other food retailers.
Families automatically receive Summer EBT benefits on their Oregon EBT card if they have children ages 6 to 18 and received specific assistance during the 2025-26 school year. This includes Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance or Medicaid, provided the household income is below 185% of the federal poverty level.
Children in foster care services also automatically qualify. Automatic benefits also extend to children whose school identified them as having migrant, houseless or runaway status.
Additionally, children who participated in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations or attended a Head Start program that was part of the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program will automatically receive benefits.
Families may need to apply if their household meets income requirements for free or reduced-price school meals, or if their child attends a school that participated in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program. Summer EBT benefits are available regardless of immigration status.
Dr. Charlene Williams, director of the Oregon Department of Education, highlighted the program's impact on children. "Access to nutritious food is essential to children's health, well-being, and learning," Williams said. "Summer EBT provides important support to families during the summer months and we encourage eligible families to take advantage of this resource."
Liesl Wendt, director of the Oregon Department of Human Services, addressed the challenges families face with food insecurity during the summer. "We know summer can be especially hard for families who are already struggling to keep food on the table," Wendt said. "When school is out, many children lose access to regular school meals and no child should have to worry about being hungry. Summer EBT helps families buy healthy food and gives kids the nutrition they need to grow, learn and enjoy their summer. Our goal is to make sure every eligible child in Oregon can access this support."
Families can find program requirements and apply online in English and Spanish or with a paper application in multiple languages at sebt.oregon.gov.
The Summer EBT Call Center, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT, is available for assistance at 833-673-7328.
Families can confirm the receipt of their benefits by checking their EBT card balance at www.ebtedge.com.
The Summer EBT program is an evidence-based initiative that has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing child hunger and supporting healthier diets.
Eligible families can also double their money up to $20 per day at participating Oregon Farmers Markets, Community Supported Agriculture farms and grocery stores by utilizing Double Up Food Bucks. Additional information about food resources in Oregon and summer meal sites is available online.
The application deadline for the Oregon Summer EBT program is Sept. 1, 2026. The Summer EBT call center will close on Sept. 25, 2026.
