Texas parents can soon apply for food funds

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — Parents in Texas can begin to apply for a one-time payment to help pay for their children's food on Monday.

The Pandemic-EBT program will give a one-time $285 payment to parents of children on the free and reduced school food program. Families who are on the SNAP program do not need to apply, as the funds have already been distributed to their Lone Star Cards.

Any school children up to 21 years old who received reduced or free school meals are eligible. The purpose of the program is to make up for the free and reduced school meals children missed while schools closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pandemic-EBT is an additional program to grab-and-go meals that many districts are providing.

The payment will come on a pre-paid debit card seven to ten days after parents submit an application. School districts should send a link to the application in the first week of June. The application period is open through the month of June.