CHARLESTON, W.Va.
(AP) — Many West Virginia families will receive federal funding for
child nutrition needs during the coronavirus pandemic.

The
U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the state’s application for an
estimated $72 million for use by families in grocery stores.

The
benefits are for more than 231,000 West Virginia children who qualify
for free or reduced-price school meals, Gov. Jim Justice said in a
statement.

The state will distribute electronic benefits cards that hold the value of the free school breakfast and lunch reimbursement rates for the days that schools are closed, the statement said.

The federal application was submitted by the state departments of Education and Health and Human Resources.

“We
are grateful beyond belief to have this federal support to make sure
our kids’ needs are being met during this pandemic,” Justice said.

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