During his Friday, February 5 coronavirus response media-briefing, Governor Jim Justice announced that a second round of the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Program (P-EBT) has been approved and additional funding will be allocated to West Virginia children who qualify for free or reduced-cost school meals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As with the previous round, disbursement of funds will be facilitated by the W.Va. Department of Education (WVDE) and the W.Va. Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR).
“We are incredibly grateful to announce that another round of these benefits will be allocated in West Virginia, even as the challenges posed by the pandemic continue,” Justice said. “Our children are our greatest treasure in West Virginia and making sure our kids have enough to eat is absolutely the most important thing we can do – it’s why, the moment we closed our schools last year, we went right to work delivering millions of meals all across the state. So we appreciate the extra help this program will continue to provide.”
Thus far, P-EBT funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has resulted in nearly $73 million in financial support for West Virginia children. The second round of assistance was approved by the USDA on Thursday, February 4,
According to a statement released by the governor’s office, the funds will be distributed to eligible “children who would have received free or reduced-price meals under the National School lunch program if their schools were not closed or operating at reduced attendance hours due to COVID-19.”
In a second statement released by the WVDE, State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch said, “West Virginia’s commitment to consistent and high-quality meals for children during this pandemic remains a top priority. The P-EBT program has been important because of the flexibility it offers families. As the pandemic continues, children will benefit immensely from these extended benefits that will strengthen our efforts to ensure children have access to the nutrition they need.”
DHHR Cabinet Secretary Bill Crouch added, “It is necessary that children’s nutritional needs are met to assure that they remain healthy and ready to learn. We know the pandemic has been an incredibly stressful time for West Virginia families and hope that P-EBT alleviates some challenges.”
Justice also stated that West Virginia anticipates approximately $200 million in funding during the next round of benefits distribution.
Benefits are expected to be released starting in mid-March.
According to the WVDE, “(Benefits) will be applied retroactively to the beginning of the school year. The benefits will be issued to a special P-EBT card, no to the Mountain State EBT card, thus, families will receive a new electronic benefits card in the mail.”
Beginning on Monday, February 15, an informational hotline and the corresponding website will be available to provide information and updates regarding the program.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.