Summer shouldn’t mean hunger for kids. But when school is out, many children who rely on free or reduced-price meals at school lose access to daily nutrition. That’s where SUN Bucks — also known as Summer EBT — and free SUN Meals comes in. SUN Bucks is a new program provides eligible families with extra grocery money to help feed their children all summer long. Summer Meals or SUN Meals is a program that offers free meals and snacks at local community sites all summer long.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or community member, here’s what you need to know to get support — or help spread the word.
What Is SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks is a new federal nutrition program that gives $120 per eligible school-aged child to help families buy groceries during the summer months. That’s real money that can be used at most places that accept SNAP (food stamps), including grocery stores, online retailers, and some farmers’ markets.
SUN Bucks can be used to supplement other food programs like SNAP, WIC, and free SUN Meals at local community sites or To-Go meal options in rural areas. That means kids can get multiple forms of support — and families don’t have to choose just one.
Who Is Eligible?
- Your child may be automatically enrolled if:
- Your household receives benefits like SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR, or
- Your child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, and your income qualifies for free or reduced-price meals
- Not automatically enrolled? You can still apply — as long as your household income meets the guidelines. Just visit your state’s Summer EBT page to apply directly.
More information from USDA here
What Can SUN Bucks Be Used For?
SUN Bucks can be used to purchase:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Bread and cereal
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic drinks
Use the SNAP Retailer Locator to find nearby stores or farmer’s markets that accept SUN Bucks.
What If SUN Bucks Aren’t Available Where I Live or I Need More Support?
Whether or not you use SUN BUCKS, you can still access free SUN Meals at schools, parks, and community centers — and in some rural areas, SUN Meals To-Go. Check your local listings or visit WhyHunger.org/Summer to find a location near you.
Help Spread the Word!
Families can’t use benefits they don’t know about. Help us reach more people by sharing the info in your community, at your workplace, or on social media.
Download shareable SUN Bucks graphics (click image below and save.)
SUN Bucks is a simple, powerful way to reduce child hunger during the summer — but only if families know and enroll. Please take a moment to check your eligibility, help someone apply, or spread the word.
Need Food Now?
If you or someone you know needs immediate help accessing food:
- Call 1(800) 5-HUNGRY
- Text your zip code to 1-800-548-6479
- Visit whyhunger.org/find-food
Use our Find Food database to locate local emergency food providers, meal programs, and other support services in your area.
