West Virginia Department of Education Launches SEBT Program to Support Low-Income Families in Clarksburg
SEBT Program Introduced in West Virginia to Provide Summer Grocery Support for Eligible Families
In Clarksburg, West Virginia the Department of Education is urging families to apply for the newly introduced Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (SEBT) program, according to the published article of WBOY. This initiative aims to provide additional grocery support during the summer months to families with children who qualified for free or reduced-price lunches during the school year. The SEBT program, launching for the first time in 2024 is designed to assist low-income households in ensuring their children have access to nutritious food when school is not in session. The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) highlights that SEBT differs from previous summer food assistance programs such as the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (PEBT).
While PEBT offered benefits to any student attending a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school the SEBT program specifically targets households based on their low-income status. This focused approach aims to reach families who are most in need of food assistance during the summer break. The WVDE encourages eligible families to apply for SEBT to take advantage of this valuable resource. By providing additional support for groceries the program seeks to alleviate some of the financial burdens on low-income families ensuring that children have consistent access to nutritious meals throughout the summer. This initiative represents a significant step towards addressing food insecurity among school-aged children in West Virginia.