State of Florida Approves Implementation of Pandemic EBT Program.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

In a release by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Florida’s request to implement the Pandemic EBT Program has been approved.

The Pandemic EBT, or P-EBT, will be providing nutritional benefits to families of more than 2 million children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches. The program is administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and is in partnership with the FDACS.

“Fighting the chronic hunger and food insecurity worsened by this pandemic is one of our top priorities, and the Pandemic EBT Program will help us ensure that the families that most need help can access fresh, healthy nutrition at this challenging time,” Said Agriculture commissioner Nikki Fried. “Thank you to Secretary Perdue and the USDA for providing Florida the Flexibility to Help Feed out State and families throughout COVID-19.”

FDACS has funded Florida’s school lunch program, through $1.3 billion in federal funding. Commissioner Fried’s department also administers several other nutrition programs.

Eligible families will automatically receive this supplemental benefit in June, with funding by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Additional information will be made available from DCF.