May 28, 2020 — With kids out of school and many parents out of work, hunger is becoming a major health concern. But for students who were attending public school and are eligible for free or reduced price meals, there’s a new benefit, called pandemic ebt, or P-EBT. Some families have already gotten their electronic benefits cards with up to $365 per child, but those who have not can apply until June 30. Tarney Sheldon, the nutrition basics program manager at North Coast Opportunities, gave details earlier this week and urged people who cannot get this benefit to apply for CalFresh.
You can apply for the one-time P-EBT benefit at ca.p-ebt.org. While you’re there, you can follow a link to apply for the long-term CalFresh benefit, formerly known as food stamps. Recipients can double their purchasing power at all local Farmers’ Markets.