Moylan Highlights Food Resources for School-Aged Children amid COVID-19 Crisis

DES PLAINES, Ill. – State Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, is reminding families that they may qualify for a special Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) to help buy food for their children who otherwise would have qualified for the National School Lunch Program or reduced-priced meals if schools were still open.

“The closing of schools, while necessary, creates issues for thousands of Illinois children and families that must be addressed,” Moylan said. “I hope families are able to use the P-EBT program to afford more groceries during these trying times.”

P-EBT benefits are based on the cost of meals students would normally have received and will be distributed through the end of the school year. So far, eligible households would be able to receive $182.40 per eligible child for March and April days that schools were closed. Individuals currently receiving SNAP benefits are automatically eligible to receive P-EBT benefits and do not need to apply. Additional information and application links can be found through the Department of Human Services at http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=124142.

“I’m glad to see that these benefits are being made available to compensate school closures,” Moylan said. “Let’s do everything we can to make sure that every child in our community receives the food and nutrition they deserve.”

To stay up to date with the state’s response to COVID-19, please visit coronavirus.illinois.gov.