Minnesota Approved to Offer Food Service Benefits to Eligible Families

Greetings,

On May 28, 2020, Minnesota was approved to offer food benefits to families whose children were between the ages of 5 and 18 on September 1, 2019 and received free or reduced-price meals during the 2019-20 school year. This program can provide $325 per child in additional funds to help pay for groceries. These funds are available regardless of whether your family is enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP).

If a child in your home was receiving free or reduced-price meals when schools closed in March, your family is eligible for this important benefit. If your child was not receiving free or reduced-price meals but was part of your family’s SNAP or MFIP case, you are also eligible for this benefit. To access these benefits, please see the instructions that match your specific situation below.

If your family was receiving SNAP or MFIP benefits on March 18, 2020: You are eligible for these benefits, and $325 per child will be added to your EBT card balance. You do not need to apply for these benefits or take any additional action, as this benefit is automatic.

If your family received free or reduced-price meals during the past school year and does not receive SNAP or MFIP: You will need to complete an application for benefits at the following website: www.mn.p-ebt.org. When you are approved, you will receive your card in the mail, and you can use it to purchase groceries at any EBT-approved grocery store. You will receive $325 per child, which will be preloaded onto the card. If you do not complete the short application before June 30, 2020, you will not receive these benefits.

These benefits are intended to replace the benefits your child would have received if they had been able to attend school through June. These benefits are available even if your child continued to receive meals through your school. By signing up for these benefits, you will not be enrolling in SNAP, MFIP, free or reduced-price meals or any other program.

If you have questions about requesting or using these benefits, please contact the P-EBT Hotline at 651-431-4050 or 800-657-3698.

If your family is struggling to afford healthy food to eat, please contact your local county or tribal human services agency, apply for additional benefits at ApplyMN.dhs.mn.gov, or contact the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 651-486-9860 or 888-711-1151.

 

Sincerely,

Chip Rankin

Superintendent

crankin@isd2149.org  w 320.239.4820 x1470  c 218.851.9039