Food Support and Safety – Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer Funds Program To Start Accepting Applications June 22

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) will operate P-EBT, a supplemental food purchasing addition to current SNAP participants and as a new EBT benefit to other eligible households not participating in SNAP to offset the cost of meals that would have otherwise been consumed at school. Read more at:
http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Pandemic-Electronic-Benefits-Transfer-Funds-Program-to-Start-Accepting-Applications-June-22.aspx#:~:text=For%20the%202019%2D2020%20school,for%20the%20P%2DEBT%20program.

Meals for Kids

The USDA has created an interactive map to help you find meals for kids when schools are closed.
https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids

Nebraska’s 150,000 SNAP Recipients Can Now Order Groceries Online

Nebraska is one of the first states to pilot SNAP’s online ordering platform: customers can buy anything they’d typically get at the grocery store. The USDA partnered with Amazon, Dash’s Market, FreshDirect, Hy-Vee, Safeway, ShopRite, Walmart, and Wright’s Markets to provide the service. But currently in Nebraska, shoppers can only order from some from that list.

How to register the EBT card on Amazon:

Shop Safely

· Use disinfecting wipes to clean high-touch surfaces of the shopping cart or basket and discard used wipes immediately after use.

· The CDC released guidance of customers using reusable bags during the COVID-19 pandemic—customers should not use their own reusable bags, containers, or boxes.

· Keep your distance when grocery shopping. Try to follow the guidelines of allowing 6 feet between yourself and other shoppers. If you’re able to, go during less busy store hours.

· Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol as you leave the store and wash your hands as soon as you get home.

· Current research shows that COVID-19 can live on certain surfaces for days. You can set aside packaged foods and containers for 3-5 days before using them. You may also wash non-porous packaged products with soap and water before placing in fridge or cupboards.

· Wash your produce safely. Do not use disinfectants such as bleach, chorine, or isopropyl alcohol, nor use disinfecting wipes when washing fruits and vegetables as these are harmful when ingested. It’s best to wash fresh produce vigorously under running water.

Food Safety

· Handwashing is especially important in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Before preparing or eating any food, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If handwashing is not an option, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

· Be sure to clean and disinfect countertops and other surfaces often as a precaution for yourself and others.

· Although there is currently no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food or water systems, sharing food and beverages is discouraged.