In the event you just lately obtained a vitamin help card from the state well being division you didn’t apply for, chances are you’ll not need to throw it out. The playing cards come from a delayed program to assist feed college students through the summer season.
Missoula social employee Katrina Weckenbrock says a card loaded with practically $400 in vitamin funding for every of her two children caught her off guard when it got here within the mail in early January.
“I used to be very confused, as a result of I hadn’t utilized for something,” Weckenbrock says. “So, I assumed possibly it was a rip-off or there was a mistake of some type.”
Division of Public Well being and Human Providers spokesperson Jon Ebelt says that’s not the case. The playing cards are a part of a pandemic-era summer season vitamin program, and are arriving this winter on account of reporting delays between colleges and the division.
Ebelt says the newest spherical of playing cards had been routinely despatched to about 19,000 households that met earnings eligibility requirements expanded past regular state vitamin help pointers.
The well being division’s web site says the funding got here from federal COVID-19 reduction supposed to assist households afford meals for kids through the summer season. College students from nearly 100 colleges and districts had been included within the winter distribution of profit playing cards.
Weckenbrock says she wasn’t alone in her confusion and he or she heard from mates with school-age kids who threw the playing cards away, considering it was a rip-off.
The well being division says the playing cards will expire 274 days after issuance. Dad and mom should use their oldest baby’s birthdate to activate their vitamin help card. In the event you threw out or misplaced yours, you possibly can name or e-mail the division to request a brand new one.
Contact the Division of Public Well being and Human Providers at hhshcsdpebt@mt.gov or by cellphone at 1-800-850-1556 with questions on this system or to request a brand new card.
