The program will continue through the summer for K-12 students who attend school in person. The P-EBT program will not be available in the 2023-24 school year, NCDHHS said in a news release Monday. In addition, benefits for all other children will cease at the end of this school year; this includes children younger than 6 who receive Food and Nutrition Services and students who attended virtual or home school.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds P-EBT and granted the extension during the pandemic in 2020.
"This program, though temporary, has been a lifeline for so many children to get nutritious meals when they could not get them at school," said Susan Gale Perry, NCDHHS Chief Deputy Secretary for Opportunity and Well-Being. "Children need good nutrition to grow up healthy and to live their best lives. This program shows how we can meet a critical need for our children across North Carolina."
Here's how to receive the one-time summer payment, if you qualify
Eligible students will receive one payment of $120 in July to cover the summer. NCDHHS said for students to be eligible for the P-EBT this summer they must meet the following qualifications:
- The student must take part in their school's free- or reduced-price meals program this school year
- They must attend school in person
- COVID-19-related absences are not a factor in summer
Check here to see if your child's school participates
Students must be approved by May 31 to receive benefits this summer
- The payment is made to the card for families who receive FNS benefits or P-EBT benefits.
- Families new to the program will receive a card in the mail
IMPORTANT DEADLINE INFO: Families who have not already qualified for free or reduced lunch should apply by May 1.
Applications take more than a month to process and must be approved by May 31. Apply to the school's free or reduced meals program or Food and Nutrition Services. Enrollment for P-EBT and school meals is automatic for families with FNS benefits on or before May 31.
If you need information on how to apply for free or reduced-price meals, contact your child's school. To apply for FNS, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/FNS or apply through your local county department of social services.
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Other ways families can get food support
Although the P-EBT ends this summer, NCDHHS said the FNS program is still available to North Carolina families. And, families with children younger than 5 may be eligible for the WIC program and can learn more here.
Click here for more information on P-EBT, frequently asked questions or additional updates.
Get information on additional summer meals resources
- Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 during the summer months to find a site nearby with free meals for kids
- Visit NCDHHS Food Resources online for a variety of food resources available for families
- Visit the NCDHHS WIC section online to learn more about the WIC program and see if you quality
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