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Don’t Miss Out: This Simple Program Can Help Put Food on the Table This Summer

Don’t Miss Out: This Simple Program Can Help Put Food on the Table This Summer

When school lets out for summer, many parents feel more than just a shift in routine—they feel the added pressure of providing three meals a day, every day, without the support of school breakfasts and lunches. For families already on a tight budget, it can be overwhelming.

That’s why the USDA is rolling out a new program this summer called SUN Bucks, and for many low-income families, it’s arriving just in time.

What Are SUN Bucks?

SUN Bucks is part of a federal effort to help ensure kids don’t go hungry over the summer. The program provides a one-time $120 payment per child to families with school-aged kids who qualify for free or reduced-price meals during the school year or are enrolled in programs like SNAP or Medicaid.

The funds are issued through an EBT card—either added to an existing SNAP card or mailed out separately—so families can buy groceries just like they would with other food assistance.

For thousands of households, this isn’t just extra money. It’s the difference between full stomachs and going without.

Don’t Miss Out: This Simple Program Can Help Put Food on the Table This Summer

“We’re Always Scraping By in the Summer”

Michelle Thompson, a single mom of two in Kentucky, says summer break always brings financial stress.

“When my kids are in school, I know they’re getting two good meals a day. But once summer hits, I’m scrambling,” she shared. “Food prices keep going up, and SNAP only stretches so far.”

She found out about SUN Bucks through her son’s school and was relieved to learn she qualified. “That $240 will help me stock up on fruits, cereal, and frozen foods. It takes some of the pressure off,” she said.

Who Qualifies?

The SUN Bucks program is available to families with children who meet any of the following:

  • Already receiving SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR benefits

  • Attend a school that offers free/reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP)

  • Receive Medicaid and fall below the income threshold (185% of the federal poverty line)

  • Are in foster care, homeless, or enrolled in Head Start

In many cases, families will be enrolled automatically. But if you’re not already part of a qualifying program, you may need to fill out a quick application through your state’s benefit agency.

States Participating in 2025

Not every state is offering SUN Bucks this summer, but more than 30 states, territories, and tribal governments are taking part. Some of the major states that have signed on include:

  • California

  • Illinois

  • Michigan

  • Kentucky

  • North Carolina

  • Pennsylvania

  • Arizona

  • Arkansas

  • Colorado

  • Minnesota

  • Utah

  • Hawaii

  • Washington, D.C.

  • Guam

Your state’s Department of Human Services or equivalent agency will have full details about how the benefit is distributed and whether you need to apply.

How and When to Use It

SUN Bucks are usually loaded onto EBT cards in June or July. Once received, families can use them at any store that accepts EBT—big supermarkets, some farmers markets, and even select online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. You can buy just about anything SNAP allows, like fruits, veggies, meat, dairy, and pantry staples.

However, these funds do expire—usually about 4 months after they’re issued—so it’s important not to let them sit unused.

“Every Bit Helps”

For families like Michelle’s, SUN Bucks won’t solve every problem—but it’s a meaningful step.

“I know $120 doesn’t sound like much to some people, but when you’re counting every dollar, it really matters,” she said. “I just want to make sure my kids have enough to eat and don’t feel that stress.”

The USDA estimates that the program could help feed over 20 million children this summer. For many families facing food insecurity, it’s a small but crucial support at a critical time.

What You Can Do Now

If you’re a parent or caregiver, now is the time to check in with your child’s school or your local benefits agency. Make sure your information is up to date—especially your mailing address if you’re expecting a new EBT card.

It’s one more tool in the fight against hunger. And for families across the country, it might be the help they’ve been waiting for.

To find out if you qualify or how your state is handling SUN Bucks, visit your state’s official Department of Human Services website or call your local SNAP office.

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