Alabama to Provide Summer Food Benefits to 530K Eligible Children

HI INDIA NEWS DESK

ALABAMA- The Alabama Department of Human Resources announced on Tuesday that approximately 530,000 Alabama children who receive free or reduced price school meals will be eligible for food benefits this summer after the school year ends. The Summer Pandemic EBT program will provide $120 for each participating student from qualifying households to purchase food that is eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at stores that accept Electronic Benefit Transfer cards. The benefits are expected to begin rolling out in mid-to-late summer.

According to Alabama Department of Human Resources Commissioner Nancy Buckner, the inflation has made it challenging for low-income families to afford food for their children while also covering other costs like housing and transportation. Buckner emphasized that every dollar of support from programs like P-EBT can help strengthen their spending power and prevent hunger while promoting nutritious meals for children.

The Summer P-EBT benefits are only available to students who receive free or reduced price meals under the National School Lunch Program. Families who wish to become eligible may apply by contacting their schools, and applications must be approved by May 16th to qualify for summer benefits.

Families with eligible students who received P-EBT benefits previously will access Summer P-EBT benefits on their existing EBT cards. However, those who are new to the National School Lunch Program will receive EBT cards in the mail.