ROANOKE, Va. – Families who qualify for free and reduced lunches are getting some extra cash to help buy groceries.
The statewide Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) food assistance program was announced on Monday to school districts in Virginia.
The program will help families in places like Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Henry County, and Botetourt County. Each eligible student can get up to $370. It does not replace meals provided through the school programs operating during unexpected closures or the summer meal programs that will begin when the school year is over.
“This is going to be a great way to help families supplement and ensure that our students are being fed,” said Deborah Nemec, supervisor of instruction at Botetourt County Public Schools.
Families do not need to apply. If they qualify for free and reduced lunches or SNAP benefits, the P-EBT cards will be mailed directly to those families.
Please visit the VDSS Pandemic EBT website or check the local school division website for more information about P-EBT.