Update: This story has been updated to clarify that many DCPS families are also eligible for the program.
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All families with students at Owensboro Public Schools are eligible for $313.50 per child to help cover expenses incurred while meals were not served during school closures because of COVID-19. Many families with students at Daviess County Public Schools are also eligible.
Through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program, cards are available for all students who receive a free or reduced lunch. According to OPS, these benefits are not affected by whether or not a family participated in the free meals served at schools and community sites during the time schools were closed.
OPS is able to provide meals free for all students because of the percentage of the school’s population that already qualifies for free and reduced meals.
Though not all students at DCPS qualify, there are many who do. According to DCPS, the program will be expedited in three specific groups of students.
- Group 1: CHFS direct certification public school students – Currently enrolled students who are receiving SNAP benefits on an active EBT card will automatically receive additional funds for P-EBT added on to their existing card beginning this week. Currently enrolled students who are receiving Medicaid or KTAP benefits based on income levels below the NSLP income guidelines, or who are in Foster Care, will automatically receive a P-EBT card in the mail.
- Group 2: All other eligible public school students – Beginning June 1 for 30 days all other eligible public school families will be able to opt-in to receive the benefit by applying on https://benefind.ky.gov/. Benefits will be processed immediately upon confirmation that the student had access to free or reduced lunch.
- Group 3: Private school students – Private school Food Service Directors are currently compiling the list of eligible students that will then be provided to KDE. All private school student benefits will be processed simultaneously.
Families must apply during the month of June at benefind.ky.gov/. Benefits will be processed immediately upon confirmation that the student had access to free or reduced lunch.
For more information from the Kentucky Department of Education, click here.
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