MN Extends Application Deadline For Pandemic Food Funds For Kids

MINNESOTA – Minnesota has extended its Pandemic EBT application deadline to July 31 to help feed school children who usually receive free or reduced lunches at school or who already receive for certain benefits.

The program offers $325 per child for children between ages 5 and 18 regardless of whether the child's family already receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) benefits.

Families who were already receiving SNAP or MFIP benefits as of March 18 will automatically receive the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) funds without taking any additional action.

Minnesota Department of Human Services, in a release, said families of students receiving free or reduced meals, but who were not receiving SNAP or MFIP as of March 18, must apply for a P-EBT card online or call either (651) 431-4050 or (800) 657-3698 between Monday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In a release, ISD 191 said when a family is approved for P-EBT, a card that can be used for groceries at a EBT-approved grocery store will arrive by mail within 10 days.

The last day to apply for the P-EBT program is July 31.

The 191 school district said the benefits are intended to replace the cost of meals children would have received at no cost during the school year.

"By signing up for these benefits, you will not be enrolling in SNAP, MFIP, free or reduced-price meals, or any other program," the district clarified in its release.

The state of Minnesota also offers other benefits programs to help feed residents struggling to afford healthy food. Information is available through the Department of Human Services website as well as through local county and tribal human services agencies and the Minnesota Food Helpline at 651-486-9860 or 888-711-1151.