Applications Available for Federal Summer Child Nutrition Program

Applications are now open for a new federal child nutrition program known as SUN Bucks that aims to keep children fed during the summer months when they are not in school. Eligible children can receive an EBT card through the program, also known as Summer EBT, that can be used to purchase groceries.

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For the program’s first year, paper applications are available for children who are not automatically eligible. Benefits will be issued to all eligible children by October.

The program provides households with a one-time payment of $120 for each eligible child to buy food while school is out. Benefits can be used at local participating retailers to purchase groceries.

Many children will receive these benefits automatically, but some households will need to apply. The benefits will be added to an existing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP)/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) EBT card or a newly-issued Summer EBT card.

Eligibility

Children who applied and were approved for free or reduced-price school meals or who receive SNAP or TANF are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks.

Most children who receive Medicaid are also eligible because their income level is under the level for the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program. Children who get Medicaid through the Children with Special Needs category (PH 95) and those who are in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will have to apply for SUN Bucks.

Children are automatically eligible and do not need to apply for the program if:

  • Their household received SNAP or TANF between July 1, 2023 and Aug. 31, 2024 and the child is enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program; or if they are not enrolled in a school that participates in the programs but were between the ages of six and 18 during the timeline

  • The child received Medicaid with qualifying income for the lunch or breakfast program between July 1, 2023 and Aug. 31, 2024 and the child is enrolled in a school that participates in the school lunch or breakfast programs; or if the child is not enrolled in a school that participates in the programs but is between the ages of six and 18 during the timeline

  • The child is in Head Start, is homeless, in foster care, or is a runaway and the child is enrolled in a school that participates in the school lunch or breakfast programs

  • The child applied for and was determined eligible for free or reduced-price meals through the school or breakfast program

How to Apply

Most eligible households will get SUN Bucks automatically if they are receiving other benefits. Other households can use the Eligibility Navigator to determine if their child is eligible.

Those who are not automatically enrolled can fill out an application in English or Spanish.

Applications received on or before August 31 will be considered for SUN Bucks benefits. Those received after that date will be considered for benefits during the 2025 application period next summer.

For more information, visit the SUN Bucks website.

Families, NewsNathan DukeSUN Bucks, Summer EBT, TANF, SNAP, federal child nutrition program, summer meals program