THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 Page 9 Massachusetts to extend P-EBT benefits for remainder of school year T he COVID-19 pandemic caused uncertainty in families across Massachusetts regarding meals for their children who normally receive free or reduced school meals. Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer program (P-EBT) was developed last spring to assist these families in need. It was recently announced that Massachusetts will be the first state to extend these benefits through the remainder of the 20202021 school year. “Parents should not have to worry about providing a meal for their child,” said Mayor Carlo DeMaria. “I’m proud that Massachusetts is the first state to extend these benefits. It’s heartbreaking that our community has felt the impact of this pandemic, but I am incredibly pleased that through the CARES Act, children who depend on school meals will not go hungry this school year.” The state Department of Transitional Assistance, in collaboration with the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, received approval to manage this program in response to the COVID-19-related school closures. Students who are eligible for this program must qualify for free or reduced-priced meals under the National School Lunch Program. They also must be in a hybrid or fully remote learning situation, and this must be confirmed by the school. • Eligible students in hybrid learning situations will receive $58.60 per month. Middlesex Sheriff, volunteers ready donated gifts for children L OWELL, Mass. – Employees of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) and volunteers from the community joined forces to wrap presents for children with loved ones currently incarcerated at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction. The gifts are donated each year by The Judson Association of The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts (TABCOM) and participating congregations. “We are grateful to The Judson Association of American Baptist Churches and all those who donated gifts and their time this year,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “The impact this has on the lives of young children whose relatives are incarcerated is immeasurable. That in the midst of a global pandemic, local residents ensured this tradition continued is a powerful statement about the generosity that exists within our communities.” This year due to COVID-19 restrictions the number of volunteers able to gather in Lowell on Sunday, December 13 to wrap gifts was limited to just 10, with hundreds of gifts wrapped and readied. Gifts were then organized, labeled and moved to the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction in Billerica, where they will be distributed to families. “The men incarcerated are appreciative because they feel like they can’t give much,” said Pastor Pierce VanDunk. “I join Sheriff Koutoujian in thanking everyone who has made this possible – those who donated, the volunteers who wrapped and my colleagues who will facilitate the distribution of these gifts.” To learn more about MSO, please visit middlesexsheriff.org. Happy holidays, neighbor. ON NEW YEAR’S EVE (12/31), OUR EVERETT BRANCH CLOSES AT 2 P.M. AND OUR LYNNFIELD BRANCH CLOSES AT 4 P.M. BOTH BRANCHES ARE CLOSED FROM NEW YEAR’S DAY THROUGH THE WEEKEND. WE’LL BE BACK OPEN ON MONDAY, JANUARY 4TH. AS ALWAYS, YOU CAN ACCESS OUR ONLINE BANKING AND ATMS ANYTIME. 419 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149 Right by you. 61 7-38 7 - 1 1 10 7 7 1 SALEM ST, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 7 8 1 - 7 7 6 - 4444 WWW.EVERETTBANK .COM Member FDIC Member DIF • Eligible students in remote learning situations will receive $117.20 per month. Using P-EBT will not impact a parent or their child’s immigration status. The public charge rule does not apply to P-EBT. Parents can also use P-EBT funds while still collecting food from Grab and Go student meal sites. For more information regarding the P-EBT program and for questions regarding eligibility, please visit https:// www.mass.gov/info-details/ pandemic-ebt-p-ebt or https:// www.map-ebt.org/.
10 Publizr Home