© 2024 KLCC

KLCC
136 W 8th Ave
Eugene OR 97401
541-463-6000
klcc@klcc.org

Contact Us

FCC Applications
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Eligible Students Will Receive ‘Pandemic EBT’ Food Benefits

Brian Bull
/
KLCC

Families with eligible school students in Oregon will receive a boost in their food benefits this fall.

Since most Oregon children are taking classes at home instead of at school for now due to the coronavirus, they don’t have access to school lunches. Many districts offer curbside meal distribution, but not all families are able to access those. The so-called “Pandemic EBT” program gives those families extra food benefits that can be used at most grocery stores.

Only students whose families are income-eligible, and who are enrolled in schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program will receive the benefits. Most public schools and a handful of private ones participate. The state estimates about 300,000 students will receive the benefits.

Students whose families follow a traditional home-school model, that is, one that's not affiliated with a public school, are not eligible to receive the Pandemic EBT benefits.

Chris Lehman has been reporting on Oregon issues since 2006. He joined the KLCC news department in December 2018 and became News Director in March 2023. Chris was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. His public broadcasting career includes stops in Louisiana and Illinois. Chris has filed for national programs including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”
Related Content