The Pandemic EBT program that provided healthy food for 1.6 million children for the last three years will end next month, according to a press release from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
P-EBT will be eligible for K-12 students over the summer if they attend school in person after the United States Department of Agriculture funds granted an extension as stated in the release.
Benefits for children 6 years or younger who receive Food and Nutrition Services, and those who attend virtual and home school will also end in May, according to NCDHHS.
“This program, though temporary, has been a lifeline for so many children to get nutritious meals when they could not get them at school,” said Susan Gale Perry, NCDHHS Chief Deputy Secretary for Opportunity and Well-Being. “Children need good nutrition to grow up healthy and to live their best lives. This program shows how we can meet a critical need for our children across North Carolina.”
To be eligible for the summer benefits, the student must take part in their school’s free, or reduced- price meal programs this school year. Check here to see what schools participate in this program.
Applications for those who have not been approved for free, or reduced-price meals should apply by May 1, as applications must be approved by May 31, to receive benefits over in person summer school, according to the press release. If approved, the NCDHHS says students will receive a onetime payment of $120 in July for the summer.
The Food and Nutrition Services will continue for families within North Carolina, and families with children under the age of 5 may be eligible for the WIC program, as stated in the release.
For additional summer meal resources, NCDHHS suggests the following:
"Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 during the summer months to find a site nearby with free meals for kids
Visit NCDHHS.gov/FoodResources for a variety of food resources available for families
Visit NCDHHS.gov/ncwic to learn more about the WIC program. It serves families with children under 5, pregnant and postpartum women
Visit NC 211 provided by the United Way, or dial 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162"
