The office of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Education released important information May 7 regarding child food nutrition programs. Excerpts from Wolf’s news release and a Lehigh Valley Food Policy Council flier summarize the new benefits.

• If your children were receiving free or reduced-price meals when schools closed March 16, you will receive $365 for each child (for 64 days, March 16-June 12, except Memorial Day). You need to make sure the school has your current address on file. If you moved since the beginning of the school year, you need to notify your school of your new address.

• If your children did not receive free or reduced-price meals when schools closed but your family has lost income due to a lost job or fewer hours, your children may be eligible after the school closed March 16. Income eligibility guidelines are based on family size.

• If your children became eligible for free or reduced-price meals after schools closed, you will receive a prorated dollar amount for the number of weekdays from the first of the month in which your child was determined eligible until June 12, except Memorial Day.

• If your children did not receive free or reduced-price lunch during the school year, contact your school to apply with a correct current address. You may also apply online through COMPASS at compass.state.pa.us.

If you already receive SNAP, TANF cash assistance or Medical Assistance, your benefits will be added to your EBT card within approximately 15 days. If you don’t receive these benefits, a P-EBT card will be mailed to you with instructions.

If you live in a community-eligible district, but your family doesn’t need the benefits, it’s important to know all students will receive the benefit. The benefit is good for six months, and your family may need them at a future time. Contact your school to apply with a correct current address. You may also apply online through COMPASS.