Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program offers food benefits for families during COVID-19
LAS VEGAS – Families with children who would have received free or reduced-price meals through schools in Nevada are eligible for food assistance through the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) Program. Offered to states through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, this program provides benefits to children who lost access to school lunches this spring because of COVID-19 school closures.
“Nearly 70% of Clark County School District students relied on free or reduced-price meals before the pandemic,” said Jodi Tyson, vice president of strategic initiatives at Three Square Food Bank. “Now, with one in three children living in a food-insecure household, we are grateful that our state is prioritizing initiatives that provide meals for one of our most vulnerable populations.”
Children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) qualify for P-EBT, along with children who attend schools that offer free meals to all students. The public charge rule does not apply to P-EBT, so immigration status will not be affected or taken into consideration to receive these benefits.
Families that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits will receive the funds through their current EBT card. All other eligible families will receive a new card in the mail. Funds were issued as one-time payments between August 30 and September 8, 2020.
For more information about P-EBT, contact the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services at 702-486-9640 Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit www.dwss.nv.gov.
Southern Nevadans in need of food assistance are also encouraged to call the Three Square Center at 702-765-4030, where they can speak with a representative to help determine their eligibility for SNAP and additional services.
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