CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The United States Department of Agriculture approved Ohio’s Pandemic EBT plan, which was proposed as a result of the statewide school closures.
The approval allows the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to distribute SNAP benefits to approximately 850,000 students.
“We know families are struggling right now, balancing work or career searches, distance learning, and caring for families,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. “Hopefully, this additional assistance will provide more choices for families.”
Families with children who relied on free or reduced school meals will receive around $300 in SNAP benefits to purchase healthy foods, according to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
The Governor said there it is not necessary for families to apply. Funds for families that already receive SNAP benefits will see the assistance added directly to the Ohio Direction cards, while households that do not rely on the supplemental program will receive a preloaded card., according to the Department of Job and Family Services.
The first payment will be back dated to when children were dismissed from school, so families should expect more than $300 the first time around and they will cover families through the month of June.
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