Montana DPHHS changing course, remaining in pandemic food assistance program

HELENA — Two months after Montana leaders stated they wouldn’t proceed in a federal program to supply meals help for youths through the COVID-19 pandemic, they modified course and introduced Friday that they are going to be remaining in this system in spite of everything.

Adam Meier, director of the Montana Division of Public Well being and Human Providers, stated throughout a legislative committee listening to that the federal authorities had added extra flexibility within the Pandemic Digital Profit Switch, or P-EBT, program. He stated that gave the state a approach to rejoin with much less administrative burden.

“I’m actually happy with our staff – Gene Hermanson and staff – for locating a workaround and dealing with USDA to search out flexibility to make this out there to our state,” stated Meier.

The U.S. Division of Agriculture launched P-EBT in 2020. It really works equally to present SNAP advantages. Eligible children obtain advantages loaded onto a card that can be utilized to purchase meals.

In the course of the faculty 12 months, this system is open to college students who qualify free of charge or reduced-price faculty lunches, however who couldn’t entry them as a result of their faculties have been closed or they have been out resulting from COVID. In the summertime, although, P-EBT advantages can be found to all children eligible for varsity meal help – in Montana, estimated at greater than 97,000 in 2021.

Federal guidelines say a state should take part in P-EBT through the faculty 12 months to be eligible to make use of it through the summer season.

After participating for 2 faculty years, DPHHS leaders stated in March it didn’t make sense to increase their participation in P-EBT. They stated fewer college students would have been eligible, as most colleges have remained open. As well as, persevering with this system this 12 months would have required figuring out every particular person scholar who qualifies and the precise dates they have been eligible for funds due to a COVID-related absence. That may result in way more administrative work, each for the state and for varsity districts.

Teams just like the Montana Meals Financial institution Community expressed disappointment within the determination, saying P-EBT had develop into a “game-changer” for needy households – particularly through the summer season, and particularly as meals costs proceed to extend.

Meier stated this time, DPHHS utilized for P-EBT just for youngsters below age 6, which restricted the executive work required. In a press release, DPHHS estimates almost 17,000 youngsters shall be eligible for a $33 per 30 days profit for the interval from September to December 2021. They stated they’ll have extra data quickly on what shall be out there through the summer season.

Advocates stated they’re grateful for the information.

“Lots of of Montanans stepped up, shared their tales, and made their voices heard,” stated Jackie Semmens with the Montana Finances & Coverage Heart. “We’re grateful the state is reversing course and making certain 97,500 youngsters throughout the state will have the ability to entry meals helps this summer season.”

“Montanans are experiencing rising prices of meals and different dwelling bills, and a few of our meals pantry companions are seeing report ranges of want,” stated Wren Greaney, advocacy coordinator for the Montana Meals Financial institution Community. “By administering P-EBT, DPHHS is taking an important step towards mitigating the burdensome price of groceries, for households who’re struggling to make ends meet. We recognize the onerous work of the division to make this occur and their willingness to discover varied choices and discover a resolution that may work for Montana.”