P-EBT SY 2021-22 Cover Memo (178.53 KB)
| DATE: | August 26, 2021 | |
| SUBJECT: | Pandemic EBT - State Plans for 2021-2022 | |
| TO: | SNAP State Agencies Child Nutrition State Agencies |
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| FROM: | Jessica Shahin Associate Administrator, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) |
Cindy Long Deputy Administrator, Child Nutrition Programs |
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is releasing new guidance today to assist states in the development of Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) plans for school year 2021-2022. States distributed P-EBT benefits to millions of families last school year to replace meals lost by their children as schools and child care facilities closed or restricted their in person schedules due to the COVID emergency. As we enter a new school year under uncertain conditions, children’s access to meals at school and child care remains at risk.
While NSLP-participating schools have the option to serve free meals to all students this school year through the Seamless Summer Option, P-EBT fills a critical gap for children with virtual or hybrid schedules who qualify for free or reduced price meals under standard NSLP rules. P-EBT provides a similar benefit for younger children who participate in SNAP. USDA is committed to working with all states to ensure that P-EBT remains a resource for these children.
Today’s new P-EBT guidance consists of an updated state plan template and a set of Q&As. Both documents are available on USDA’s P-EBT website. These should look familiar to you; relatively little has changed compared to last year’s guidance. USDA encourages you to review these documents and direct your questions to your USDA-FNS Regional Offices.
USDA looks forward to working with you this school year on your new P-EBT plans.
Sincerely,
| Jessica Shahin Associate Administrator Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program |
Cindy Long Deputy Administrator Child Nutrition Programs |