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Tribal advocates keep up legal pressure for fair political maps; 12-member jury sworn in for Trump's historic criminal trial; the importance of healthcare decision planning; and a debt dilemma: poll shows how many people wrestle with college costs.

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Civil rights activists say a court ruling could end the right to protest in three southern states, a federal judge lets January 6th lawsuits proceed against former President Trump, and police arrest dozens at a Columbia University Gaza protest.

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Rural Wyoming needs more vocational teachers to sustain its workforce pipeline, Ohio environmental advocates fear harm from a proposal to open 40-thousand forest acres to fracking and rural communities build bike trail systems to promote nature, boost the economy.

New Summer Food Benefits Surface for MN Children

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Monday, July 25, 2022   

In the coming days, many Minnesota families with young children - dealing with food insecurity - should see some financial aid to help get them through the rest of the summer.

Minnesota has been approved for another round of funding under the federal Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer initiative. For qualifying households, money is loaded onto EBT debit cards that can be used at grocery stores and farmers markets.

The state says most eligible families don't need to apply and will receive the benefits automatically. Tikki Brown, assistant commissioner of children and family services at the Department of Human Services, said the latest distribution of aid is very timely.

"With inflation and with gas prices and just rising expenses," said Brown, "many families will feel an extra burden when trying to feed their family during the summer months."

Overall, more than 400,000 Minnesota kids are expected to receive the extra help. It goes to households that have children approved for free or reduced-price meals in the last school year.

And funds will go to kids five and under whose families are enrolled in programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). For those eligible but not signed up for these programs, there are application deadlines for later in the summer.

Details and applications can be found on the Department of Human Services website.

Brown said a lot of community programs also help with summer meal needs for kids. This latest burst of funding could help with service gaps.

"Especially in rural parts of our state, where access might be an issue or transportation might be an issue," said Brown, "this electronic benefit provides a lot more access and ease in buying food for families."

Starting in September, all benefits will be removed from these cards after nine months of not being used. And once that happens, the benefits cannot be replaced.

Minnesota is one of 27 states to be approved for the new round of P-EBT funding after submitting an application.




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