On Friday, October 1, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II announced eligible families can apply for the Summer Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program.

According to a news release, students who are approved for free or reduced-price meals for the 2021-2022 school year can apply for a one-time $375 Summer P-EBT benefit.

Applications should be submitted electronically or mailed to DSS, and must be postmarked by Saturday,October 9, or submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on October 10. Applications submitted during this time will only be reviewed for the one-time Summer P-EBT benefit.

Congressman Cleaver says, “With schools shutting down to slow the spread of the coronavirus, parents have been faced with a number of unexpected challenges, including larger grocery bills. For families that benefit from free and reduced lunch programs, school closures have forced some parents to make the impossible decision of putting food on the table or keeping a roof over their head. However, with the help of the Summer Pandemic-EBT program, low-income families that have been impacted by school closures will receive additional money to make sure that no child goes hungry. Defeating this pandemic requires a multifaceted approach, and this expansion of EBT benefits is an important part of a robust public health strategy. I encourage all Missourians in Fifth Congressional District to check their eligibility and fill our their application before the October 10 deadline.”

The application is available online in English and Spanish.