Families of children who received free or reduced-priced meals at school can now receive funding to offset the loss of those meals due to COVID-19 school closures. Louisiana has been approved by the USDA to issue Pandemic EBT cards to help feed approximately 600-thousand students.
“Eligible families will need to go online, complete an application, and then they will be issued a special card that functions like a debit card,” says Syndi Dunn, Louisiana Department of Education spokesperson.
Dunn says families will receive up to $285 for each eligible child.
“Families who receive the P-EBT benefits will be able to use those benefits at the same places that accept EBT through the SNAP Program,” says Dunn.
Dunn says the state expects to begin mailing EBT cards as early as May 26.
“Once you complete the application online, it will confirm your eligibility and within just a few business days you should receive your card,” says Dunn.
Dunn says benefits on the cards will expire in 365days and you can now register now online for benefits until June 7th.
The application is available online or you can call 1-888-524-3578.