A one-time food assistance program is expected to help over 189,000 Kansas children.

Governor Laura Kelly announced yesterday that $56M in food benefits will be loaded onto a Kansas Benefits Card for those families who had children eligible for free or reduced-priced lunches during the 2021-2022 school year. Almost 80% of those eligible will have the benefit auto-issued beginning yesterday and staggered based on the last name of the child and will be completed by December 21.

In those cases where auto-issuance is not possible, parents and guardians will need to apply through the Department for Children and Families Self-Service Portal from January 1-31, 2023.

The program is through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Program. More details and frequently asked questions can be found by clicking the link here.