With schools all out for the summer, the concern is that some Valley children may not be able to get proper meals each day.

However, qualifying children in the Valley and around Ohio are eligible to receive funds for food through the Summer Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program.

HOW IT WORKS: If your child is eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, or if you participate in SNAP and your child is under 6 and does not attend school, your child should receive Summer EBT funds.

HOW MUCH WILL EACH QUALIFYING CHILD RECEIVE: Each eligible child will receive $390.50, which will be split into two payments, one by the end of June and one by the end of July. Each child will receive $7.10 per day, which is the combined daily federal reimbursement for breakfast, lunch and snacks, for 55 days.

Most children in SNAP households will receive funds on the existing Ohio Direction Card where your SNAP funds are loaded.

There is no application for Summer P-EBT program. However, if your child is eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, you should apply through your school or school district before July 31. Benefits for newly eligible children (who applied over the summer) will be issued by the end of September. If you are eligible for SNAP but not participating, you can apply at benefits.ohio.gov or get help with applying from a SNAP outreach foodbank.

Questions about P-EBT? Call the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services hotline: 1-866-244-0071