Mich. becomes 1st state approved to expand SNAP benefits due to school closures

Michigan is the first state to be approved to operate Pandemic EBT, a benefit that will offer SNAP benefits to eligible households even if those families are not signed up for the program. 

Students and their families are eligible to receive the benefits if they are receiving free or reduced-price lunches and are enrolled in a school that has been closed for at least five consecutive days due to COVID-19.

Pandemic EBT is a part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that was signed by President Trump last month. Originally, Pandemic EBT was introduced as a separate bill by U.S. Reps. Marcia Fudge and Bobby Scott.