P-EBT program replaces school lunches
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Jerome Moon, R-Maryville, today announced financial assistance is available to help families provide food for their children through the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
The Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer or P-EBT aims to provide financial assistance for school meals missed during the months of March, April, and May due to COVID-19 school closures. The P-EBT money can be used at grocery stores and other retailers that accept EBT cards to buy food for children.
The P-EBT was created through the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act as a way to reimburse families whose children are on a free or reduced lunch program, but could not receive those meals when school closed in the spring.
“Covid-19 has placed tremendous burdens on families across the state and Republican leadership is working to implement support where it is needed,” Moon said. “There are still many more families who are eligible for this benefit and I would encourage them to apply so they can continue to provide meals for their children during this challenging time.”
Families must meet the following criteria to qualify: receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program or attends a Community Eligibility Provision school that provides free meals to all students. Families already receiving SNAP or TANF benefits do not need to apply as the funds have already been distributed. Families can apply at tn.gov/humanservices or call 1-866-311-4287 by Aug. 14, at 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
Jerome Moon is Chair of the House Cities & Counties Subcommittee. He is also a member of the House Commerce, the Local, and the State Committees, as well as the Utilities Subcommittee. Moon resides in Maryville and represents Tennessee House District 8, which includes part of Blount County.
###