DENVER — More than 200,000 Colorado children have not yet been enrolled in a food-assistance program that would put up to $279 per child into their parents' wallets.
Max Young, SNAP education and outreach administrator for the Colorado Department of Human Services, said the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer, or P-EBT, program, is meant to help pay for meals kids would have received at school during coronavirus-related closures.
She said the benefit can be tapped in addition to SNAP — the program formerly known as food stamps — as well as food pantries or any other assistance.
"The benefit is really not meant to impact any other benefit that families might be receiving from the state, but really meant to help families where they are right now navigate the waters of this pandemic," Young said.
P-EBT benefits come in a debit-like card that can be used to buy food-related items at most grocery stores and many farmer's markets.
Young said if a child attended a school that offered free or reduced-priced meals through the National School Lunch Program, they're eligible, regardless of a family's immigration status.
To sign up, Young suggested typing "Colorado P-EBT" into a search engine, or visiting her agency's website.
One significant barrier for getting all eligible kids enrolled is parents have to provide their student's ten-digit state-issued I-D number, which can be different from their regular school ID, so Young recommended families contact their school district before applying.
Young added the program also is expected to play a big role in the state's recovery by generating more than $100 million in economic impact.
"That not only helps families provide food to their family, but also helps local grocery stores with food purchases as well," Young said. "So we expect a huge boost to our economy just through the approval of this benefit alone."
The program was funded through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act for the 2019-2020 school year. The program has not yet been extended for the fall semester.
Young said if schools can't remain open, more help will be needed to ensure families can continue to provide nutritious meals for students at home.
In St. Vrain Valley School District, help is available in the form of a curbside meal program at 17 schools. Meals are served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a sack lunch and breakfast offered each day.
A student ID number is needed to pick up meals at the curbside stops, according to the district. Meals are free for any student who qualifies for the 2020-21 free and reduced-price meal program. The cost for those who do not qualify for the federal program is $3.50 for lunch and $1.50 for breakfast.
Last year’s student meal applications expire on Aug. 31 and new applications are required for this school year, according to the district. Families can complete applications at myschoolapps.com. Those with questions about the application process can email Sandra Melara at [email protected].
Nonprofit Community Food Share also is offering mobile food pantries at locations throughout Boulder and Broomfield counties. In Longmont, distribution is held on designated days at Countryside Village, the Ed and Ruth Lehman YMCA and Westview Presbyterian Church. Learn more about the program here.
Longmont Food Rescue also holds monthly “Produce in the Park” events at which people are invited to shop for free. The next event starts at noon Sunday at the Ed and Ruth Lehman YMCA, 950 Lashley St. Learn more here.
The nonprofit OUR Center also offers once-weekly drive-thru service and daily drive-up lunch service. Participants need to show photo ID and address verification, and new participants will be asked to complete an intake form, according to the OUR Center website. Learn more about the programs here.
— Longmont Leader staff contributed to this report.
