Governor Greg Abbott has just stated that the Southern State Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for what is the third round of federal Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) food benefits. This an important approval is for families with children. In fact, they have for the time being have lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to COVID-19.
Summer P-EBT
Covering June through August, the Summer P-EBT does provide a one-time benefit of $375 per eligible child. In fact, it can be used in the same way as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits to pay for groceries. A joint effort by HHSC, the Texas Department of Agriculture, and the Texas Education Agency is the administration of summer.
Governor Abbott Shows Gratitude
“I want to thank the HHSC and USDA for working together to ensure Texas families can continue to put food on the table,” said Governor Abbott from Austin. “Being this is the third round of pandemic food benefits, it will help us go on to provide access to nutritious food for both families and their children.”
Nutritious Food for Families
“Then, as children across the state, start going back to school, we’re are, in fact, thankful we can provide this additional benefit so Texans can, in fact, provide nutritious food for their families,” said Wayne Salter. He is the HHS Deputy Executive Commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services.
In this third round of pandemic food benefits, HHSC received federal approval to provide more than $1.4 billion in benefits to roughly 3.7 million eligible children in Texas. To this date, HHSC has distributed approximately $4.7 billion in P-EBT food benefits to Texas families.
Moreover, the Summer P-EBT is for families with children, in grades K through 12. They are, in fact, certified for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and families. This is for children born after Aug. 1, 2014, who, in fact, do receive SNAP food benefits.
This fall, eligible families will receive summer P-EBT benefits. Therefore, visit hhs.texas.gov/pebt or call the P-EBT Call Center at (833) 442-1255 to learn more.
