There’s Still Time for Oregon Families to Receive ‘Summer’ Food Benefits

SALEM, Ore. – While summer break has ended for most Oregon students, families still have a chance to receive extra grocery money through the Oregon Summer EBT program. The deadline to apply is Sept. 3, giving households just days left to secure this year’s benefit.

What the Program Offers

The Summer EBT program provides $120 per child to help cover the cost of groceries. Benefits are distributed on the Oregon Trail EBT card and can be used at grocery stores and farmers markets that accept electronic benefits. Families have about four months (122 days) to use the funds before they expire.

“This is a really amazing summer food program that helps Oregon shrink the hunger gap when children are on summer break,” said Claire Seguin, director of ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs.

Who Gets It Automatically

Many families already received benefits in May if they were enrolled in:

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Oregon Health Plan (select members)
Foster care programs

These households did not need to apply. However, state officials warn that some eligible families may still be missing out, especially those who participate in Head Start, National School Lunch, or School Breakfast programs.

How Many Have Been Helped

So far in 2024, Oregon has distributed nearly $42 million in food benefits to support more than 374,000 children statewide. Officials believe that hundreds of additional families could still qualify if they apply before the deadline.

“We really encourage everybody who thinks they might be eligible—who’s got a school-age child—to check,” Seguin said.

Income Eligibility

Eligibility is based on family income. Households earning up to 185% of the federal poverty level can qualify. For example:

A family of four making less than $59,000 per year (about $4,900 per month) would be eligible.

“This is more than a benefit. It’s a lifeline for many families,” said Charlene Williams, Oregon’s Education Director.

How to Apply

Families who haven’t received the benefit automatically can still apply:

Online: sebt.oregon.gov
By Phone: Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328), Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Applications must be submitted no later than Sept. 3.

Funded by USDA

The program is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food assistance initiatives. Unlike block grants, there’s no cap on the total funds a state can distribute.

“It’s not a block grant. It’s an entitlement. We can serve as many folks as we can serve,” Seguin explained. “This is one of the reasons we’re pushing so hard on getting the word out.”

Future Uncertain

This is only Oregon’s second year participating in the federal program. With recent reductions to SNAP funding in the reconciliation bill, state officials are uncertain if the summer benefit will continue in future years.

For now, Oregon leaders are focused on ensuring that as many families as possible receive this year’s support.