The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Food and Nutrition Service, has announced a new summer grocery benefit program for kids.
Known as SUN Bucks, this program aims to provide $120 in food stamps to families with eligible children. The goal is to help families buy groceries during the summer when school is out.
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SUN Bucks is designed for U.S. families with school-aged children who are eligible for certain benefits. Each child can receive a one-time $120 check for the summer. Even if the program has different names in various states, the benefits and requirements remain the same. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support families facing food insecurity during the summer months.
Eligibility
To qualify for SUN Bucks, your child must be school-aged (typically 5-18 years old). Your household must meet one of the following criteria:
- Participation in programs like SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or income-eligible Medicaid. In this case, your child is automatically enrolled.
- Enrollment in a school participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) with income meeting the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
If you are not automatically enrolled, you can still apply directly if your household income falls below certain limits based on your household size. Visit the USDA’s website for more details on income requirements: USDA SUN Bucks.
Program Duration
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SUN Bucks provides $120 per eligible child for the summer period. Key points about the program’s duration include:
- It is a one-time payment, not a monthly benefit.
- The $120 benefit amount remains the same regardless of when the child is determined eligible during the summer.
- In North Carolina, the first SUN Bucks issuance occurred in mid-June 2024, with benefits issued every two weeks through the end of September as new children are determined eligible.
- Benefits expire 122 days after they are made available on the household’s EBT or SUN Bucks card, with a 30-day notice before expiration.
- In Washington state, SUN Bucks applications are open through August 31, 2024.
How to Receive SUN Bucks
If you receive Food Stamps (SNAP), you will automatically receive SUN Bucks if your school-aged children are eligible. The same applies to FDPIR and TANF beneficiaries. Families who are not on SNAP but whose children’s schools participate in NSLP or SBP and meet the income requirements will also qualify.
For families not automatically enrolled, direct applications for SUN Bucks checks worth $120 per child can be submitted.
Comparing Programs
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The SUN Bucks program, also known as Summer EBT (S-EBT), provides $120 per eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. It starts in 2024 and aims to help families when school is out. Other key summer food assistance programs include:
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
- Provides free meals and snacks to low-income children at community sites during the summer.
- No application needed, children 18 and under are eligible.
- Sites include schools, parks, camps, and other community locations.
Seamless Summer Option
- Allows schools to continue providing meals during the summer, similar to NSLP and SBP meals.
SUN Meals To-Go
- Provides summer meals for pick-up or delivery to children in rural communities.
The SUN Bucks program builds on the success of pilot Summer EBT programs from 2012-2013 that provided $30-$60 per child. It expands the reach of existing summer meal programs like SFSP, providing more flexibility for families to purchase groceries.
WIC Program
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is another federal nutrition initiative providing assistance to low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at risk of malnutrition. WIC participants receive a WIC card, an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, to purchase approved food items at authorized retail stores.
Each month, benefits are loaded onto the card, making it more convenient for participants to redeem their benefits and for retailers to process transactions.
The SUN Bucks program offers much-needed financial assistance to families during the summer, ensuring children have access to nutritious food when school is out.
By understanding the eligibility requirements and application process, families can take advantage of this benefit to support their grocery needs.
FAQs
What is the maximum benefit for SUN Bucks?
$120 per eligible child for the summer.
How can I apply for SUN Bucks?
Visit the USDA’s website or check with your state agency.
Do SUN Bucks benefits expire?
Yes, they expire 122 days after being loaded onto the EBT card.
Can I still use other summer meal programs?
Yes, children can participate in other programs like SFSP.
Is SUN Bucks the same as regular SNAP benefits?
No, SUN Bucks is a separate summer grocery benefit program.