Summer can be a challenging time for families with school-aged children, especially when it comes to meeting their nutritional needs. Recognizing this, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced a new program called SUN Bucks.
This initiative is aimed at helping families bridge the gap left when school meal programs are unavailable during the summer months. With SUN Bucks, the USDA is providing direct financial assistance to ensure that children continue to have access to healthy, nutritious food even when school is out.
SUN Bucks
The SUN Bucks program offers a one-time payment of $120 per child to eligible families, specifically designed to ease the financial burden of grocery expenses during the summer break. This initiative is part of the USDA’s broader commitment to children’s health and well-being, ensuring that kids don’t go hungry just because school is out.
For many families, school meal programs like the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP) are essential sources of balanced and nutritious meals. When these programs pause during the summer, the additional cost of providing those meals at home can be overwhelming. SUN Bucks aims to mitigate this challenge by offering families a financial boost to help cover the cost of groceries.
Who Qualifies?
The SUN Bucks program is designed to be inclusive and accessible to families already participating in various government assistance programs. If your family is currently enrolled in programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), you may automatically qualify for SUN Bucks.
In addition, families with children who receive free or reduced-price meals through the NSLP or SBP can also benefit from this program, even if they are not receiving SNAP benefits. This broad eligibility ensures that as many families as possible can receive the support they need during the summer.
Payment Details
SUN Bucks provides a straightforward benefit: a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child. This money is intended to help cover the cost of groceries throughout the summer. Families who are already receiving SNAP benefits will see the SUN Bucks funds added directly to their existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. For those who are not SNAP recipients, a new EBT card may be issued.
It’s important to note that SUN Bucks benefits must be used within 122 days of being issued. Unlike regular SNAP benefits, these funds do not roll over from month to month, so families should plan their spending accordingly.
| SUN Bucks Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $120 per eligible child |
| Benefit Usage | Loaded onto EBT card |
| Expiration | Must be used within 122 days |
| Eligibility | SNAP, WIC, TANF, FDPIR, NSLP, SBP |
Enrollment Process
The enrollment process for SUN Bucks is designed to be as seamless as possible. Families who are currently enrolled in SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or whose children receive free or reduced-price meals at school, will be automatically enrolled in the program. This automatic enrollment means that families don’t need to worry about additional paperwork to receive the benefit.
However, for families who meet the eligibility criteria but are not automatically enrolled, there is still an opportunity to apply. These families can visit the USDA’s SUN Bucks page on the USDA website to complete a manual application. The application process is straightforward, with detailed income requirements and instructions provided online.
SUN Bucks in Context
SUN Bucks is part of a broader effort by North Carolina’s Summer Nutrition Programs, which include various initiatives to ensure children have access to food during the summer. These programs also include free meals at schools and community sites. For additional support, families can access resources by texting “FOOD” to 304-304, calling 1-866-3-HUNGRY, or visiting summermeals4nckids.org.
The distribution of SUN Bucks benefits began on June 14th and will continue through September, with payments issued every two weeks as new children become eligible. Families are advised to keep their EBT cards safe and stay informed by monitoring the USDA and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) social media pages and websites for updates.
SUN Bucks represents a crucial support system for families, ensuring that children can continue to access nutritious food during the summer months. Eligible families should check their status and take advantage of this valuable benefit to ensure their children’s nutritional needs are met.
FAQs
Who is eligible for SUN Bucks?
Families enrolled in SNAP, WIC, TANF, FDPIR, NSLP, or SBP.
How much do families receive per child?
Each eligible child gets a one-time payment of $120.
How are SUN Bucks distributed?
Funds are added to the family’s EBT card or issued via a new card.
When do the SUN Bucks expire?
SUN Bucks must be used within 122 days of issuance.
Can I apply manually for SUN Bucks?
Yes, if not automatically enrolled, you can apply online.
