Join a virtual town hall panel discussion with NEA President Lily Eskelsen García and Dr. Jill Biden, a fellow NEA member and wife of Vice President Joe Biden, as they discuss concerns with educators and parents about reopening schools safely and equitably. The town hall will be held Thursday, Aug. 6, from 4-5 p.m. RSVP required.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides temporary cash for families in need. TANF benefits are based on your family size and income. A family of three, with no income, would receive a monthly TANF grant of $569. When a household member starts working, we only count half of the earnings against the grant. If a member of the household starts receiving unemployment or another type of unearned income, we would count the entire amount against the grant. To be eligible for TANF, your family must have resources of $6,000 or less. Click here for dditional information and applications. 
 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), called Basic Food in Washington, helps people with low incomes make ends meet by providing monthly benefits to buy food. Additional information and applications can be found through the Dept. of Social and Health Services. 
 

The CARES Act created a new program that will allow students who previously qualified for the free- and reduced-price meals program, SNAP and TANF to obtain an electronic benefits card to purchase meals over the summer. Newly enrolled families into SNAP and TANF will also be eligible to receive this benefit. More information about this program can be found here.
 

Food banks are still operating, although hours will vary. Check with your local food bank to learn about hours and any requirements, such as an I.D. that may be needed when accessing food bank distributions.

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) promotes the health and well-being of children by providing nutritious meals to children. Public school districts, private schools, residential child care institutions and charter schools may participate in school meal programs. Many other low-cost and free services are tied to qualifying for this program such as low-cost internet, free educational resources and waiving of student fees. If your income level has recently changed due to an unexpected layoff, contact your child’s school district so that you can submit a new income verification survey.