The deadline for families to apply for the new federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program is fast approaching.

The federal program provides families with a one-time installment of $120 per child to help replace the cost of meals students would otherwise receive at school.

Applications are due Sept. 3.

No Kid Hungry New York is encouraging those eligible to sign up before it's too late.

“As summer winds down, we are reminding New York families about the game-changing Summer EBT program to make sure that kids can access healthy meals all year long,” Rachel Sabella, director of No Kid Hungry New York, said in a statement. “This extra support will give families the boost they need to keep food on the table and provide children with the well-balanced, nutritious meals they need to learn and grow. I thank our partners at every level of government for making this funding available, and I encourage families to check their eligibility and apply before the September 3 deadline.” 

According to a new poll commissioned by No Kid Hungry New York earlier this year, 85% of New Yorkers said that the cost of food was rising faster than their income. Nearly four in five households said it had become harder to afford groceries.

No Kid Hungry New York says that children attending schools taking part in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and with a household at or below the limits for eligibility for free/reduced-price school meals (185% federal poverty level) can apply online for summer benefits.