New EBT program offers benefits in addition to SNAP; applications due by Sept. 2

By Emma Coke, Ashland.news

The end of summer is approaching, and so is the deadline to apply for summer EBT benefits. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs, over and above Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamp) benefits. The application deadline is Sept. 2. 

Summer EBT (electronic benefits transfer) is a new program launched in June with the Oregon Department of Education to provide families with school-aged (6 to 18) children extra assistance with food during summer. Once received, the money is placed on an Oregon EBT card (Oregon Trail Card) and recipients will have 122 days to use it. The card can be used at grocery stores, farmers’ markets and other locations that accept EBT cards.

“Many schools and places offer free lunches and breakfast for kids, and when schools are out of session, it’s a challenge, and so this is just one way to help augment those dollars and get folks the food they need,” said Deb Curran, communications officer for Oregon Department of Human Services.

Over 300,000 children automatically received benefits if their families receive SNAP, are Oregon Health Plan members with an income below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or if the child is in foster care. 

Families with children in Head Start programs participating in National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs and those who don’t qualify for free or reduced-price meals are less likely to have automatically received benefits and are encouraged to apply. According to Curran, ODHS estimates that, statewide, 30,000 of these children may be eligible. 

County-specific data on summer EBT enrollment have not been released. 

“We want everybody eligible to apply,” Curran said.

To confirm if you’ve received benefits, call 1-833-673-7328. The Summer EBT call center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

For help with enrollment in summer EBT or in SNAP, Opportunities for Housing, Resources & Assistance (OHRA) and Ashland Self-Sufficiency provide support with applications. 

OHRA is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2350 Ashland St. and can be reached by phone at 541-631-2235. 

Ashland Self-Sufficiency, an ODHS office, is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 1658 Ashland St. They can be reached by phone at 541-482-2041.

According to Curran, plans are already underway for the rollout of next year’s summer EBT program. 

“It’s important that kids get the nutrition that they need,” Curran said. “And, you know, summer doesn’t stop. People still want lunch and breakfast.”

Email Ashland.news reporter intern Emma Coke at emmasuecoke@gmail.com.