Schools feed not only a child’s mind but their bodies as well. For families that are on free and reduced lunch programs, having schools closed just adds another level of stress to the COVID crisis.
The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced on May 26th that Washington has been approved to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), a new program authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), signed by President Trump, which provides assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures.
“Washington will be able to operate Pandemic EBT, a supplemental food purchasing benefit to current SNAP participants, and as a new EBT benefit to other eligible households to offset the cost of meals that would have otherwise been consumed at school.
The implementation of Pandemic EBT is in line with USDA’s commitment to keep Americans safe, secure, and healthy during this national emergency and to keep kids fed when schools are closed. USDA is working with states and local authorities to ensure schools and other program operators can continue to feed children.”
For more information, visit USDA Approves Program to Feed Kids in Washington.
