Oregon launches the return of its Summer EBT for children program, which gives families money to buy healthy food during the summer months when free and reduced-price school meals are not available. Last summer was the first year Oregon offered this benefit, and about 362,000 school-aged children participated, with families receiving a total of $43 million to spend at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other places that accept EBT. Summer EBT is administered by Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) in partnership with Oregon Department of Education (ODE).
Things to know about Oregon’s Summer EBT for children program:
- Families will get a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child on an Oregon EBT card.
- Many children are considered “automatically eligible” for Summer EBT and do not need to apply. This can include those whose families participate in SNAP, TANF or the Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid) and meet income rules, as well as children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
- Families that got Summer EBT benefits in 2024 through an approved application do not need to apply again. They will automatically receive the money on their EBT card May 22.
Important dates
- May 19, 2025: Oregon Summer EBT Call Center opens and the 2025 program starts.
- May 22, 2025: Families who qualify automatically will begin to get their benefits.
- May 30, 2025: Paper and online applications will start being processed.
- Sept. 3, 2025: Last day to apply for 2025 benefits.
To learn more about eligibility, and how and whether you should apply for Summer EBT food benefits for children, check out ODHS’s website for frequently asked questions, call 833-673-7328, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email summerebtinfo@odhs.oregon.gov.
NOTE: the Summer EBT is different from ODE’s “Summer Meals” program, which is for all children regardless of income and requires no application process, and families can participate in both.
