Signing Up for School Meals Provides Additional Benefits for Families

Long Island school districts are providing free school meals to all students, regardless of financial eligibility for the normal free lunch program through June 30, 2021. Districts are making meals available even when they are not open for in-person instruction.While students no longer need to apply to get school meals, families should continue to apply for the program if they have changed school districts or experienced a change in financial circumstances during the current school year. Signing up for the program may provide additional benefits for many families.During the 2020-2021 school year, children eligible for free school meals may also be entitled to P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer) benefits if they are learning remotely. P-EBT benefits for the 2019-2020 school year amounted to approximately $100 per month per eligible child. Learn more about the P-EBT program for the 2020-21 school year from Hunger Solutions NY or OTADA.P-EBT benefits are available to families even if they are not eligible for SNAP. The benefits do not affect Public Charge status. Income limits for the program are available here.