Director Dr. Charlene Williams | Oregon Department Of Education
Oregon's Summer EBT program is returning for its second year, aiming to support families in purchasing food for school-aged children during the summer months. The program is expected to provide benefits to up to 370,000 children this year, totaling approximately $40 million. Each eligible child will receive a one-time payment of $120 in food benefits.
On May 22, 2025, around 336,000 children automatically received these benefits on their Oregon EBT cards. Families are encouraged to verify their card balances at www.ebtedge.com.
Families who did not automatically receive the benefit should review eligibility requirements before applying. Details can be found at sebt.oregon.gov or by contacting the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-673-7328. Applications are available online in English and Spanish or through paper forms in multiple languages.
Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), emphasized the importance of the program: “When school doors close for the summer, the need for regular, healthy meals doesn’t disappear. Last year, the summer EBT program bridged a critical gap for thousands of Oregon families.”
In 2024, about 362,000 children participated in the program and received $43 million in benefits spent locally.
Fariborz Pakseresht, ODHS Director, stated: “Summer EBT is one more way we can prevent kids from going hungry when school is out... Getting every eligible child connected to Summer EBT will help Oregon’s children thrive year-round and as they grow up.”
Eligibility details are available on sebt.oregon.gov. Automatic eligibility applies if families received benefits last year or meet specific criteria related to SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or other programs.
Applications must be submitted by September 3, 2025. Receiving Summer EBT does not affect participation in other meal programs and does not impact public charge tests or immigration status.
Benefits are provided via an Oregon EBT card usable at most grocery stores and farmers markets. For lost cards or additional information, families can contact relevant hotlines provided by the state.
The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 made Summer EBT a permanent option for states and certain Indian Tribal Organizations. In Oregon's case, a $12 million investment from the state legislature enabled participation by drawing $83 million in federal funding.
For further assistance with basic needs such as finding food pantries or summer meal sites, residents can visit oregonfoodbank.org or fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder among other resources listed by local agencies.
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