The School Meals and Summer EBT Application Toolkit
Healthy students are better learners. One of the best ways to guarantee that students stay focused and engaged in the classroom is to ensure they have a nutritious breakfast and lunch.
Completing the School Meals and Summer EBT Application can help eligible children access those meals, so they don’t have to learn on an empty stomach, no matter what may be happening at home. It also gives parents peace of mind knowing their children can receive nutritious meals during the school day.
What is the School Meals and Summer EBT Application?
The School Meals and Summer EBT Application allows families to apply for free school meals and Summer EBT benefits based on their household income. Families should complete a new application each school year and submit it directly to their child’s school.
Who qualifies for free school meals in New Jersey?
Some children automatically qualify for free school meals through participation in programs such as SNAP, TANF, income-eligible Medicaid, foster care, or certain other qualifying programs. Families who are not automatically qualified must complete the School Meals and Summer EBT Application. Eligibility is based on household size and New Jersey Expanded Income Eligibility guidelines.
What is New Jersey Expanded Income Eligibility?
In 2024, Governor Murphy signed a law expanding eligibility for free school meals through the Working Class Families Anti-Hunger Act. Previously, families could qualify with household incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty level. The new law increased that limit to 224%, allowing more children to receive free breakfast and lunch at school.
What is Summer EBT and who qualifies?
Summer EBT provides eligible families with $120 per child to help purchase groceries during the summer. Children may qualify automatically through SNAP, TANF, income-eligible Medicaid, foster care, or certain other programs. Other children may qualify by meeting the federal income guidelines for free or reduced-price school meals and submitting the School Meals and Summer EBT Application to their school.
Do children in CEP schools need to complete a school meal application?
All students at Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools receive free school meals without completing an application. However, families may still need to submit the School Meals and Summer EBT Application for their child to qualify for Summer EBT. Children who already qualify automatically through SNAP, TANF, income-eligible Medicaid, foster care, or another qualifying category do not need to apply.
Community Outreach Toolkit
This toolkit was created in partnership with the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate. It includes a variety of resources designed to educate parents and caregivers about the value of completing a School Meals and S-EBT application. Please click on the links below to access the materials.
Note: Toolkits are currently being updated for the 2026-2027 School Year.
