Summer food help with SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)

Summer break shouldn't mean a break from healthy meals!

The SUN Bucks program, also known as the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, is here to help. This federal program helps families with school-aged children buy healthy food all summer long.

Misti and her son standing on a porch.

Here's how SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) works:

Pedro and his daughter holding fruits and vegetables.

Get $120 per child for the summer or $40 per month

Use your benefits to stock up on everything your family needs for healthy summer meals.

Harvey and his family sitting on a park bench.

The benefit is sent to you or added to your SNAP or EBT card

You can use it just like a debit card at any store that accepts EBT cards to purchase groceries.

A woman hugging three young children.

Many families qualify automatically

If your child receives SNAP, Medicaid, or free or low-cost school meals you're good to go!

Watch Chrissy Teigen explain SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)
 

Unsure if your family qualifies?

Do your children receive SNAP, Medicaid, or free or low-cost school meals?

  • If your child already receives SNAP, Medicaid, or free or low-cost school meals, you will be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks if it's available where you live.

  • Your child could still qualify. Just complete a quick application for the school meals program by June 30th or apply for SNAP benefits with our SNAP Assistance team. Review state specific eligibility requirements and additional information on USDA's website.

Got questions? We have answers

  • SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) is a federal program that provides eligible families with $40 a month per child while school is out. Families receive physical EBT cards to buy groceries. Children must qualify for free and reduced priced school meals or receive SNAP or Medicaid.

    SUN Bucks is the official name of Summer EBT. SUN Bucks may also have a different name depending on your location.

  • The SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program starts in 2024. In each state, the Summer EBT agency decides on three months to run it, usually between May and September.

  • Over 35 states, tribes, and territories, are participating in SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) this year, with many more planning to participate in the future. For the most up to date information regarding program availability in your area, please visit the USDA's site.

  • Families will receive $40 per eligible child per month, totaling $120 for the summer. Most states will send $120 at once for the summertime months. 

    Children enrolled during the middle of the summer will still receive the full three months of benefits.

  • Children automatically receive SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) if they already receive SNAP, Medicaid or free or reduced school meals. For children who are not automatically enrolled, an application for SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) can be completed.

  • Yes! You’ll find free meal sites across the country including newly available options called SUN Meals-to-go which will allow families to take meals off-site in rural areas. Families that use SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) still can get free meals during the summer.

  • No, it does not. Your family’s immigration status will remain the same. The use of SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) is not considered in a public charge determination.

  • More than 30 million children across America could receive help from SUN Bucks (Summer EBT).