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Michigan first state to provide food to families affected by school closings through new fund

Arkansas business pays off student lunch debt
Posted at 5:34 PM, Apr 09, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-09 19:57:20-04

(WXYZ) — The state of Michigan is the first in the country to get federal approval for a food funding program targeted toward families with financial hardship while schools are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program (P-EBT), through the USDA, provides temporary funding for emergency food. It will be used for Michigan families with students between age 5 and 18 who receive free or reduced-price school meals. This program will reach approximately 895,000 students.

“I am proud that Michigan is the first state to receive federal approval for this program to put healthy food on the table for families that need them,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “The spread of COVID-19 has had a profound impact on our state. My administration will continue to work around the clock to help Michiganders through this difficult time and slow the spread of this virus.”

This moves comes after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order in March to close all K-12 school buildingsfor the remainder of the academic year, unless restrictions are lifted.

Under the program announced on Thursday, nutritious meals will be provided to children at over 2,000 stationary locations and nearly 700 mobile site throughout Michigan, the governor's office said Thursday.

Additional information will be released at a later time.

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