The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched an innovative program called SUN Bucks specifically designed to support families with school-age children during the summer months. Given the increased financial burden on families when their children do not have access to school meals, this program aims to provide additional financial assistance to help cover food costs.
Through SUN Bucks, eligible families can receive a one-time payment of $120 per child to help reduce the cost of providing nutritious meals during summer vacation. This initiative is part of a broader USDA effort to ensure children continue to have access to healthy meals outside of school hours, supporting their overall well-being and health.
Payment summary for $120 food stamps
The SUN Bucks program is especially important because many families rely on school feeding programs to provide their children with balanced and nutritious meals throughout the school year. When schools are closed for summer vacation, these families may struggle to afford the extra food they need to meet their children’s nutritional needs. By providing financial support, SUN Bucks helps fill this gap and ensure children do not go hungry over the summer.
The program is designed to be inclusive and targets families who already receive assistance from various government programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Families whose children participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and meet income requirements for free or reduced-price meals are also eligible to receive SUN Bucks.
Eligibility criteria for the $120 SNAP payment
Families participating in various government assistance programs may be eligible for SUN Bucks. Eligibility requirements are as follows:
Current SNAP recipients
Families currently receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will automatically receive SUN Bucks for each eligible child.
Other program beneficiaries
Families participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, or the Food Distribution on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) program may also be eligible.
Participants of the school feeding program
Families with children participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) who meet income requirements for free or reduced-price meals can receive SUN Bucks even if they are not on SNAP.
Details of SUN Bucks payment benefits
- Payment amount: Each eligible child will receive a one-time payment of $120 for the summer period.
- use: If needed, funds will be loaded onto the household’s existing SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or a new EBT card.
- Sequence: SUN Bucks must be used within 122 days of being issued. Unlike regular SNAP benefits, they do not roll over from month to month.
How to apply for the $120 SUN Bucks payment
- Automatic registration: Families currently enrolled in SNAP, TANF or FDPIR, or children receiving free or reduced-price meals at school, are automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program.
- Manual application: Families who are not automatically enrolled but meet eligibility criteria can apply for SUN Bucks through the USDA website. Detailed income requirements and application instructions can be found on the USDA SUN Bucks page.
SUN Bucks is designed to complement existing food assistance programs and ensure children have access to nutritious food during the summer. This benefit can be used in conjunction with other summer nutrition programs such as SUN Meals To-go or local food distribution sites.
Payments of SUN Bucks benefits began June 14 and will continue biweekly through September as new children are determined eligible. Families are advised to keep their EBT cards safe and to check the NCDHHS website for tips on card skimmers and stolen FNS benefits.
The SUN Bucks program is part of North Carolina’s broader summer nutrition programs, which include free meals at schools and community facilities. Families can find more information about local meal sites and other support by texting FOOD to 304-304, calling 1-866-3-HUNGRY or visiting summermeals4nckids.org.
The SUN Bucks program provides critical support to families with school-age children and ensures they have access to nutritious food during the summer months. Eligible families are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply if needed to take advantage of this valuable benefit. Families should monitor USDA and NCDHHS social media pages and websites for the most up-to-date information and announcements.
