In order to respond increased food insecurity among children since the pandemic began, USDA/FNS issued P-EBT benefits. This meant that eligible school children could receive temporary emergency nutrition benefits loaded onto existing EBT cards to purchase food. This benefit has been expanded for school year 2020-2021 AND to children in child care. States have been awaiting guidance from FNS to determine how to distribute the funds etc. On Friday, January 29th, FNS released the guidance.
Additionally, on January 22, USDA announced that they are increasing the P-EBT benefit by approximately 15%.
P-EBT Policy Memo (1/29/2021)
P-EBT Q&A (1/29/21)
State Plan for Pandemic EBT (1/29/21)
We're hopeful that the states can deploy these powerful tools to address the growing number of hungry children in the United States. Thank you for all you do in the CACFP community to address food insecurity among our children.
Statement and further explanation from the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC).
"Under the guidance, children under 6 years old who live in households that participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) now will be eligible for P-EBT benefits when their childcare center is closed. This valuable new benefit will bring approximately $4 billion in money for food to families of young children." Click here to read more.