The Virginia Department of Social Services and the Virginia Department of Education have partnered to offer temporary food benefits to families with children who would have received free or reduced-price meals if schools were open.
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is designed to supplement existing nutrition program for low-income households during the coronavirus pandemic. The program is authorized through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service.
According to the VDSS, the program does not replace meals provided through the school programs during unexpected closures, such as the summer meal programs that will begin when the school year is over. P-EBT benefits are calculated at the rate of $5.70 per day per child for the 66 days Virginia's schools will be closed, and will be provided for eligible students only, not other children in the household.
Schools will provide information for all eligible students directly to VDSS, and households do not have to apply for P-EBT.
If a household with eligible students does not receive benefits by the middle of June, call (804) 726-7000.
Click here to learn more about the program.
