Second round of pandemic food aid approved

Another round of benefits is coming to low-income families affected by the coronavirus pandemic to help them buy food.

The extended benefits are part of the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program through the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

During the first round of the program, DHS reported more than 500,000 students — over half of Tennessee’s public school children — received benefits to replace school meals.

The newest aid will give parents $5.86 in benefits per student for each school day the child missed because of the pandemic in July, August and September. For families already receiving benefits, a new card will be issued.

The funds can be used to buy food at places that accept EBT or online with Amazon and Walmart.

Students who receive free or reduced meals are eligible. They must have missed at least five consecutive days of in- person school because of a closure or virtual learning, a news release says.

Families receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for

Needy Families may be eligible for benefits.

DHS and the Tennessee Department of Education partnered together to identify students who met the criteria.

“P- EBT provided families with important support they needed during the summer and we’re excited to partner with schools to extend the program into the fall semester,” said Tennessee Department of Human

Services Commissioner Danielle W. Barnes in the release. “Schools have truly become places families depend upon for nutrition and this program will provide resources to replace those meals while students are taking part in virtual learning. Helping families during this unprecedented time is how we will build a thriving Tennessee.”