Reminder to use summer food benefits before they expire

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) wants families who received Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) to know that they have 122 days to use the funds before they expire.

Eligible families receive $120 in benefits per child for meals. For families who automatically received Summer EBT on June 5, 2026, their benefits will expire on Oct. 04, 2026. Families who applied for benefits this year may have received benefits after June 5, 2026. Any unused EBT benefits will expire 122 days from the date they were originally issued.

Families can use Summer EBT to buy eligible food at participating grocery stores, farmers markets, community supported agriculture farms, and farm stands.

Double Up Food Bucks stretches Summer EBT benefits

Families can also stretch their food budget with the Double Up Food Bucks program.

Families receive $2 worth of Double Up Food Bucks coupons for every $2 of Summer EBT benefits spent on fresh fruits and vegetables.

For example, a family who spends $20 in Summer EBT benefits at a participating farmers market can receive $20 in Double Up Food Bucks coupons to buy more eligible fruits and vegetables.

Families are encouraged to check their Summer EBT balance and use their benefits before they expire.

Oregon's Summer EBT program is administered by ODHS and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). The program served about 350,000 children this year.

Other reminders for families

• Keep the Oregon EBT card: Summer EBT will be back in 2027. Families should keep their card to get benefits faster next year.
• Help with questions is available: Anyone with questions about Summer EBT may send an email to [email protected]. The Summer EBT call center closed for the year as of 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.
• Apply for 2027 benefits: Families may apply at any time for Summer EBT benefits using a paper application. Paper applications are available in 10 languages. Email your paper application to [email protected]

Learn more

Visit sebt.oregon.gov for more information about Summer EBT.

Visit Double Up Food Bucks to find participating locations and learn more about the program.

Watch our video about Double Up Food Bucks.