Patricia Dillon

I hope you are safe and healthy. There’s news about schools and access to SNAP benefits for New Haven school children.

First, the Governor announced that schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year.

Second, food benefits: The Federal government approved our plan to provide $72.3 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to children eligible for the free and reduced-price meals program. Authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the new Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program is expected to bring food benefits to about 270,000 Connecticut children who are not able to receive meals at school.

The state Department of Social services (DSS) will issue approximately $34 million to 70,000 SNAP-eligible households and $38.3 million to 80,000 non-SNAP-eligible households for school closures extending from March 17 through May 20.

DSS estimates that SNAP benefits will be deposited in EBT accounts beginning in mid-May. Note: Benefits can be used at any location that accepts SNAP/EBT cards. This includes farmers’ markets and direct market farms, if authorized to accept SNAP benefits. P-EBT participants will also have online access to eligible food purchases through delivery or curbside pickup, when implemented in the overall SNAP program.

Families do not need to apply for these benefits, as children are automatically eligible because school is not in session. The planned benefit is $267.90 per child enrolled in the free and reduced-price meals program. Additional benefits may be provided if school closures extend beyond May 20.