Pandemic EBT helps families
Jamie Dunn with Sophia and Abel 5

When schools were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, many children who depended on free and reduced school meal programs lost access to some of the few meals they could depend on. States are now providing financial assistance to these families through the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer program (P-EBT).

Families whose children receive free and reduced school meals are eligible for a one-time allotment of $256.50 per child through P-EBT. However, how families access the program is dependent on whether or not they are enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as "food stamps").

  • Families not enrolled in SNAP must apply for benefits. Once approved, families will receive a P-EBT card in the mail.
  • Families enrolled in SNAP will automatically receive benefits on their EBT card if they have not already.

Each state administers its own P-EBT program:

The Chattanooga Area Food Bank offers SNAP enrollment assistance and is available to help families apply for P-EBT. Contact SNAP Outreach Coordinator Letisia Garcia-Sanchez by calling 706-330-4562 or emailing lsanchez@chattfoodbank.org.
Thank you to the incredible work of school systems across our 20-county service area that have provided meals to families in need over the last several months. We are grateful for their work to help children facing hunger!