If you are looking for help during the COVID-19 struggle, one way you can do that is through the Department of Human Services. The IDHS has launched the Pandemic EBT application for families on May 1st which can help families buy food for school-age children who would normally receive the National School Lunch Program when school is in session.

This benefit can help you buy food for your school-age children 3-17 years old and 18-22 years old who are still in high school. If you currently receive SNAP benefits you do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits, you are automatically eligible. Those benefits will be loaded onto your Link account along with your regular benefits.

Benefits will be issued through the end of the school year. To apply click here. For more information contact the Department of Human Services at (800) 843-6154.

There were 15 new cases of coronavirus in central Illinois along with 5 deaths. Those numbers reported by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Central Illinois is also reporting 112 recovered cases. For a complete look at numbers in central Illinois of COVID-19 cases, click on the icon on taylorvilledailynews.com for coronavirus cases by county.