Texas Children Qualifying for Summer P-EBT Food Subsidies Will Get $1.4 Billion

Eligible children from Texas will get $1.4 billion in P-EBT food benefits over the summer.

During the 2021-2022 school year, P-EBT (Pandemic-Electronic Benefits Transfer) benefits were given to K-12 students with COVID-19 absences that could be proven.

Every day a doctor told a student to stay in quarantine, and they got $7 in benefits. Students who could take part were sent a letter about it.

Children playing outdoors. (Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels)

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Texas Added to States with P-EBT Program

Texas was added to the list of states and territories that could run a P-EBT program in August 2022. This means families may get P-EBT food help later this month, even if they are not directly affected by a COVID-19 infection.

On November 16, Governor Greg Abbott told people in Texas about this fifth round of P-EBT benefits.

The State of Texas is said to be still working to ensure families and kids whose schools are closed get healthy meals. The Governor thanks HHSC, TEA, and the USDA for working together to provide food benefits to families all over Texas.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) gives states guidance on giving Summer P-EBT benefits. States may give out several awards over the summer, or they may give out a single benefit. Texas still needs to give out Summer PEBT so that the award will be a one-time thing in November or December.

Summer P-EBT in Texas is possible because the federal and state governments work together.

This includes passing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the American Rescue Plan Act at the federal level.

After the law was passed, the USDA could work with the Texas Department of Agriculture, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Department of Health and Human Services to help children who qualify.

COVID-19 Triggereed the Provision of Benefits

When the COVID19 Pandemic began, waivers from the Texas Department of Agriculture and the USDA made it possible for everyone to get free meals. The waivers were not renewed for the 2022–2023 school year, so full-paying families in Orange County will have to pay between $70.65 and $101.50 per month to get breakfast and lunch at K–12 schools.

The state cares about families who don’t have enough food to eat and is excited to offer Summer P-EBT.

Wayne Salter, HHS’s deputy executive commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services, said they are proud to help families in Texas feed their children. Children can learn better when they don’t have to worry about their next meal.

The USDA lets each participating state give K–12 students the standard benefit of $391 per child, no matter what the COVID-19 declared a health emergency status is at the federal and state levels. Eligible children will receive a letter with instructions on how to get the benefits.

Some children old enough to go to childcare may also be eligible for P-EBT. In December, SNAP benefits will be added to the Lone Star Cards of those already enrolled in the program.

To learn more about Summer P-EBT benefits, people can call 833-442-1255 or go to the Texas HHS website.

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