Aug. 11, 2009

Families who receive public assistance or food stamps are getting a little extra spending money today to help purchase back-to-school supplies this year – but many may not even realize it’s coming.

A one-time Back-to-School Supplement of $200 per child (ages 3 through 17) is being made available to low-income families thanks to a public-private partnership between Governor Paterson and George Soros and his Open Society Institute. The $175 million program will provide an economic boost to communities throughout the state, helping families purchase supplies and bolstering retail sales as well.

In Westchester, that means a total of $3.8 million going to benefit about 19,000 children. Eligible families will have the money in their accounts as of today and can access it with their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which are normally used to access public assistance and food stamp benefits.

The money can be used to buy books, pencils, pens, notebooks, calculators, backpacks, shoes, tutoring, school uniforms and other clothing and essential school items. Families are urged to take advantage of retailer discounts over the next few weeks.

“Returning to school is an important time for every child,’’ said County Executive Andy Spano. “No child should have to go without the tools they need to succeed in the classroom or feel badly because they can’t afford new clothing on that special first day back to school. Thanks to Governor Paterson and George Soros, who remembers what it was like to go without, the families of more than 19,000 children in Westchester will have an extra $200 to help provide these necessities.’’