Families in Oregon have until Sept. 1, 2026, to apply for food assistance through the Summer EBT program, which provides $120 per eligible child to help cover grocery costs while school is out.
Eligibility and Application
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) are urging households to check their eligibility before the fast-approaching deadline. Most eligible children, including those in foster care, received their benefits automatically on June 5.
Households are enrolled automatically if they participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or are Oregon Health Plan members with incomes under 185% of the federal poverty level. Families who were not automatically enrolled may still be eligible if their household meets income requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
ODHS Director Liesl Wendt emphasized that the state wants to ensure all families are aware of the available resources. Wendt encouraged parents to check their status even if they believe they are ineligible. “We want to make sure children have enough to eat throughout the summer and that all families know about the help available,” Wendt said.
Dr. Charlene Williams, the ODE director, is calling on local schools and community organizations to assist in reaching eligible households. “We’re asking community organizations, schools, and summer meal providers to help spread the word by posting flyers and sharing information with families,” Williams said.
Families can verify their status or apply by calling the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-673-7328. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit sebt.oregon.gov or for information in Spanish visit ebtv.oregon.gov
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
