Summer Meal Communication/Summer 2023 P-EBT

Summer 2023 P-EBT 

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) and Department of Education (Department) were approved for the Summer 2023 Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT). Data for this program will be based on Student Reporting in Iowa (SRI) from year end spring SRI submission. Eligible students will receive $120 each ($40 per month for the summer) for the use of purchasing food. Students and families may use their benefits to purchase eligible food items anywhere SNAP EBT cards are accepted (see parent/guardian FAQ linked below for additional detail). Funds will be mailed to student households via a new P-EBT card. Iowa HHS will be partnering with the Department to determine which Iowa students are eligible to receive benefits. The Department P-EBT team may be reaching out to your determining official to verify student eligibility. 

To be eligible for P-EBT, students must meet ALL of the following criteria based on data from May 2023:

• Student was enrolled at a school participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) during May 2023

• Student attended school in person 

• Student was in grades K-12 during May 2023

• Student was eligible for free or reduced price meals by one of the following methods:

  • 2022-23 Free and Reduced Price Meal Application approved by May 31, 2023

  • Attended a 2022-23 CEP school and was still enrolled in May of 2023

  • Directly Certified during the 2022-23 school year prior to May 31, 2023

Note that the following groups are not eligible: 

• Students who graduated or dropped out of school prior to May 2023

• Virtual academy, homeschooled, or dual enrolled students

• Students who were in preschool during May 2023

Resources for schools:

• Summer 2023 FAQs for School Staff

• Contact pebt@iowa.gov with additional questions

Resources for parents/guardians:

• Summer 2023 FAQs for Parents/Guardians

• Visit Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Program | Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

• Call the P-EBT call center at 515-420-6048, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For information on where the Summer Food Service Program providing free meals for children 18 and under is being offered this summer call 1.866.HUNGRY, text "Food" to 304-304 or visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.  

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.