State gets federal OK for $550 million in food assistance to 572,000 children
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The state of Oregon said Tuesday it has received approval from the federal government to issue Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) for the 2020-2021 school year, providing more than $550 million in food assistance for about 572,000 Oregon children.
P-EBT provides food benefits to families whose children do not have access to the free or reduced-price meals usually provided at school. Oregon was approved to provide retroactive food benefits to eligible students for the 2020-2021 school year. The P-EBT benefits are expected to be issued beginning in July.
“P-EBT benefits will significantly support the food security, health and well-being of children and families across Oregon,” said Dan Haun, director of the Oregon Department of Human Services' Self-Sufficiency Programs. “Still, many Oregonians are struggling meeting their basic needs. We encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank.”