August 14, 2020 3:20 a.m.

The state of Oregon is going to continue sending pandemic school meal benefits to families in need.

A release from the Oregon Department of Human Services said six weeks ago the state received approval to implement Pandemic-EBT benefits. That provides food benefits for students who lost access to free meals through a school participating in the National School Lunch Program, when schools suddenly closed due to COVID-19. The release said families may receive up to $384 per eligible child. The actual food benefit amount is based on the date the child became eligible for free or reduced meals at school.

In order to receive the benefits, Oregon school districts must provide the eligibility information to the Department of Education, which most have done. The release said additional data collection efforts are underway for families who applied for free or reduced lunch after schools closed, and for families who moved or were not included on initial lists. This work is expected to continue into September.

Families who currently receive SNAP benefits will see the P-BET benefits on their Oregon Trail card. Families that have an active Oregon Trail card, including families that previously received summer EBT benefits, will have the benefits loaded onto that card. Families that do not have an active Oregon Trail card on file, will receive one in the mail. Eligible households will receive a letter once benefits are deposited onto the card.

Contact the Oregon Department of Human Services for more information.