Dear Arthur families,
In May, you received an email letting you know that Chester Arthur students will receive a P-EBT benefit of approximately $365.
In the months since schools were closed, FoCA has heard from a number of families asking how they can support the Arthur community during these challenging times. With these cards now arriving in the mail, families have asked if they can give their P-EBT card to another family in need. Because P-EBT cards are not transferable, FoCA cannot accept/redistribute them.
We do, however, appreciate the generosity behind this question and are working to fill the needs of Arthur students and their families.
Over the months since school moved to remote instruction, FoCA has helped to raise over $5,000 in support of local families in need. We plan to provide additional support throughout the summer, for which we need to secure additional donations of $2,500.
In addition, FoCA is working closely with Dr. Libby, principal at Arthur, to strategically prepare Arthur for a strong start in the fall. We anticipate increased need for software and hardware that can be used both in school and for distance learning, and professional development for teachers around student support strategies.
At the same time that we see the needs of families and the school increasing, we acknowledge that the sources of funding FoCA has relied on in past years, like small business sponsorships, may not be available to us at nearly the same levels.
All told, we are anticipating a $60,000 gap between the school’s need and FoCA’s projected fundraising next year.
This community has always been extraordinarily supportive of FoCA and Chester Arthur. We remain proud and humbled to be a part of Arthur’s Village.
Sincerely,
The FoCA Board
More information on P-EBT cards:
The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 provides this benefit to families of school-aged children who would have otherwise received free or reduced-priced meals if it were not for school closures. If a family has more than one child attending school, they will receive approximately $365 per child.
P-EBT cards work like pre-paid debit cards. There is no cash value, however they can be used to purchase food at most grocery stores and online stores like Amazon and Walmart. The cards expire after one year.