Children who typically get free or reduced lunches will continue to receive assistance through the end of the school year.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services announced in a press release Tuesday (January 19) that its office received approval to provide additional food benefits through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT).
Those payments will help children who normally get free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program, but who attended school virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services stated in the release.
“Because accessing nutritious food is critical during the pandemic, we are thrilled to help Ohio families alleviate a major source of stress during these unprecedented times,” Director Kimberly Henderson said the release.
About 870,000 children benefitted from about $260 million in P-EBT funds last spring, and about 510,000 children benefitted from about $59 million in the fall, based on the consecutive days of virtual instruction, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
“When possible, P-EBT benefits are added to the existing Ohio Direction cards of families that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits,” the release added. “Other eligible families will receive a P-EBT card with the benefit already added. No application is needed.”
Eligible Ohioans can apply for benefits at benefits.ohio.gov.
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