Summer Nutrition Programs Feed Children Out of School
Parents can sign up for several summer nutrition programs during the summer months when children are out of school.
SUN Bucks
Parents can sign up for the federal child nutrition program SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, which provides eligible children with an EBT card that can be used to purchase groceries. Download shareable flyers in English and Spanish.
The program is run by Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services, with support from the Department of Education. Children who are eligible and automatically signed up for SUN Bucks include:
Children ages 6 to 18 who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or medical assistance with qualifying income during the school year or summer 2025. This includes home-schooled and cyber-schooled children.
Children who attend schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and applies for free and reduced-price meals during the school year, receive SNAP, TANF, or medical assistance with qualifying income any time, or is directly certified for free school meals as a foster child, migrant, or someone experiencing homelessness
Children who attend schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and whose families meet the income guidelines for SUN Bucks, but were not automatically enrolled in the program by being in one of the categories listed above, may be eligible. They would need to apply directly to SUN Bucks.
The monthly household gross income limit for SUN Bucks is:
$2,248 for a household of one
$3,041 for a household of two
$3,833 for a household of three
$4,625 for a household of four
$5,418 for a household of five
+$8,732 for each additional family member
The benefit amount for summer 2025 is currently not listed on the SUN Bucks website. Qualifying families who already receive SNAP benefits will see the benefit added to their card.
For those who do not receive SNAP benefits, an EBT card will be mailed to them. Those interested in the program should make sure that their child’s school has a current mailing address.
More information on how to activate the card, how to check its balance, or how it can be used to buy food is available online. Those interested in utilizing the program can fill out an application in English or Spanish.
Summer Youth Cafe
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank's Summer Youth Cafe is a federally-funded child nutrition program that provides healthy meals while schools are on summer break. It opened for the season in May. Those interested in becoming a program site or sponsor should complete a partnership inquiry form.
The cafes are open to anyone 18 years old and younger at no cost. Those interested should visit the cafe's website and follow the instructions to find a local site.
Summer Meal Site Finder
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder provides a directory by state of places where families can find meal service options for children. Currently, Pennsylvania is not listed among the states, but the site is regularly updated.
Carnegie Library Summer Meals
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is participating in the 2025 Summer Food Service Provide to ensure Pittsburgh youth have access to free food during summer vacation.
Unless otherwise noted, the library locations listed below offer meals or snacks from Monday, June 16 through Friday, August 15.
Allegheny (12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
Beechview (2 p.m. - 3 p.m.)
Brookline (12 p.m. - 1 p.m., 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
Downtown (1 p.m. - 3 p.m.)
Hazelwood (3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
Hill District (12 p.m. - 1 p.m., 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
Homewood (1 p.m. - 2 p.m.)
Knoxville (Through Thursday, August 14; 12 p.m. - 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
Main (Oakland) (Tuesday, June 17 through Thursday, August 7; 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
South Side (11 a.m. - 12 p.m., 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
Woods Run (12 p.m. - 1 p.m., 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.)