Summer Food Benefits for Low-income Children Delayed

Missouri children who are eligible for summer emergency food benefits called Pandemic EBT are still waiting to receive the benefits. The pandemic program provided $391 in grocery benefits per eligible child to cover summer food costs, provided the child qualifies for free or reduced meals, and to children under age 6 who qualify for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Missouri is one of just seven states that still hasn't been approved for the benefits.

One of the reasons for the delay is due to the fact that the original proposal didn’t include a key category of recipients (children under six); therefore, it was returned by the federal government. The state resubmitted its plan earlier this month and is awaiting approval. Once the plan is approved, the state will need to collect data from schools about eligibility. Families should start receiving the benefit by the end of 2022.