The federal government plans to send $103 million to Iowa to help families buy groceries this summer.
The funds are expected to help feed 276,000 Iowa children from low- and moderate-income families in the state, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture news release Monday. The money will come from the recently passed $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program, or P-EBT was established in March 2020 to provide food dollars to families to make up for meals missed when schools have closed due to COVID-19.
EBT cards, which can be used at grocery stores, are part of the program formerly known as food stamps. A similar special version of the program was offered to Iowa families last summer. Authorities have not announced details, such as how the cards will be distributed.
Free school meals to be provided though 2021-22 school year, USDA says
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Free School Lunches Extended Through June 2022
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USDA Expands Free Lunch for School Children Across the Country
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (NAFB) – The Department of Agriculture Tuesday issued flexibilities to allow school meal programs and childcare services return to serving healthy meals in fall 2021.
Several meal service flexibilities that enable social distancing are now extended through June 30, 2022. A recent study from Tufts University found that in 2018, schools were the single healthiest source of food consumed across a sample of children and adults.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “USDA will remain relentless in ensuring our nation’s children get the critical nutrition they need.”
Vilsack says states and districts wanted waivers extended to plan for a safe reopening in the fall. Schools nationwide are allowed to serve meals through USDA’s National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option, which is typically only available during the summer. This option maintains the nutrition standards of the standard school meal while allowing schools to serve free meals to all childr