Governor Mikie Sherrill signed new legislation on Thursday aimed at making it easier for New Jersey families to access free and reduced-price school meal programs, while also announcing that more than 681,000 children statewide will receive Summer EBT food benefits during the upcoming summer break.
The newly signed legislation requires all public schools in New Jersey to prominently display information about free and reduced-price school meal programs on their websites. Schools must provide a direct link to the meal application as well as educational resources produced by the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate to help families better understand the application process.
State officials say the measure is designed to reduce barriers for families who qualify for meal assistance and ensure that more students have access to nutritious breakfasts and lunches during the school year.
“Every child deserves access to nutritious meals, whether they are in the classroom or at home during the summer,” Governor Sherrill said. “This legislation will make it easier for families to find and access school meal programs by ensuring information is readily available when they need it.”
According to state figures, nearly 689,000 students in New Jersey are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, including more than 456,000 who are automatically enrolled through participation in programs such as SNAP and Medicaid.
The legislation comes as state leaders express concerns about potential federal policy changes that could make it more difficult for eligible families to access assistance programs and school meal benefits.
In addition to signing the bill, Governor Sherrill announced that more than 681,000 eligible children will begin receiving Summer EBT benefits in the coming days. The program provides a one-time benefit of $120 per eligible child to help families purchase food while school is not in session.
The funds can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers. Families may continue applying for school meal and Summer EBT benefits throughout the summer by contacting their local school district.
State officials, lawmakers, educators, and anti-hunger advocates praised the legislation, saying it will help connect more families with critical nutrition assistance and ensure children have reliable access to healthy meals year-round.
