Federal coronavirus relief program, the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT), is assisting New York City public school families cover the cost of summer meals with $120 (per child) in food benefits on the way.
Who can receive the benefits?
Under the National School Lunch Act and National School Lunch Program that provides free meals to students each school day, those who would be receiving free lunch while school is in session will now have money to cover summer meals.
And since the New York City Department of Education offers free meals to all public school students during the school year, all families are eligible to receive the $120 in summer P-EBT food benefits, no matter a households income.
How can families get the benefits?
The $120 will be received on P-EBT cards. According to Chalkbeat, families that collect SNAP, state Temporary Assistance, or Medicaid will receive their benefits directly through those accounts.
What can the food benefits go towards?
According to SI Live, the benefit card can be used for:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Other foods, such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants
Must families apply to receive the benefits?
A distribution timeline for the funds is uncertain, but there is no application necessary. Families can monitor whether they have received the benefits at connectebt.com.
Since 2020, NYC has granted a total of $5.4 billion in P-EBT benefits, reports Chalkbeat.
“With so many New Yorkers struggling to pay for food, we’re relieved the USDA has approved the State’s plan to provide P-EBT benefits to eligible families,” shared Rachel Sabella, director of No Kid Hungry NY, in a statement.