Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the approval of the fifth round of pandemic food benefits that will give aid to millions of Texans.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the approval of fifth round of pandemic food benefits. (Photo: NBC)
Texans To Receive $391 Pandemic Food Benefit
Around 3.5 million Texans will be able to receive $391 each of pandemic food benefit whose children lost access to summer meal program during the wake of the pandemic. This is after the approval of the fifth round of Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer through the federal government.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) runs this program and it provides Texans to provide free or reduced-price lunch who were impacted by school closures during the pandemic, according to an article published in Community Impact.
HHSC Released a Statement
HHSC deputy executive commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services Wayne Salter said, “We’re proud to be supporting families in Texas so they can provide food to their children. Being well-nourished allows children to focus on learning rather than where their next meal will come from.”
The HHSC added that the fifth round of pandemic benefits will cover summer meal expenses from June 1-Aug. 30. Around $1.4 billion will be distributed to 3.5 million Texans. Eligible families will receive $391 each, according to the official press release.
Like other EBT and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, these can be used to pay for food. According to the announcement, students must have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals during the 2021–2022 academic year or the summer after. The National School Lunch Program, in which most school districts in Texas are participating.
