Thousands of Connecticut families are receiving extra help to buy groceries this summer through a federal food assistance program designed to replace school meals while children are on summer break.

Governor Ned Lamont announced that more than 350,000 children across Connecticut will receive a one-time $120 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT or S-EBT) benefit. The program is expected to provide more than $42 million in food assistance to families statewide during the summer.

Summer EBT works similarly to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), providing eligible families with funds that can be used to purchase food while schools are closed.

"This additional support helps families continue putting nutritious meals on the table during the summer months," Lamont said in announcing the program.

According to the Connecticut Department of Social Services, most eligible families have already received the benefit automatically. The funds were electronically loaded onto existing SNAP or EBT cards last weekend.

Families may qualify automatically if their children:

• Receive SNAP benefits.
• Receive Temporary Family Assistance (TFA).
• Are enrolled in HUSKY A with household income below 185% of the federal poverty level.
• Qualified for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2025-2026 school year.

Families who are not automatically enrolled may still be eligible and can apply for Summer EBT through Aug. 31, 2026.

New participants will receive an EBT card by mail. Because many cards are being issued at the same time, delivery may take several weeks.

What Families Should Know

Families who believe they qualify but have not received benefits should contact Connecticut's Summer EBT customer service line at 1-844-503-6871, available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Anyone who needs a replacement EBT card can call 1-888-328-2666.

Applications, eligibility information, and frequently asked questions are available through Connecticut's Summer EBT website.

Free School Breakfast Expands This Fall

State officials also announced that beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, every student attending a Connecticut public school that participates in the School Breakfast Program will be eligible for free breakfast, regardless of household income.

The new state budget includes $12 million to cover the cost of the program, expanding access to morning meals for students across Connecticut.

State officials say the combination of Summer EBT and expanded free school breakfasts is intended to reduce childhood hunger and help families manage rising food costs throughout the year.

Sources: Office of Governor Ned Lamont; Connecticut Department of Social Services.