This summer, millions of families across the country will receive a welcome boost to their grocery budgets thanks to SUN Bucks, a new federal food program aimed at reducing child hunger during the school break.
Under this initiative — also known as Summer EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) — eligible families can receive a $120 payment per school-aged child to help cover the cost of meals when school cafeterias are closed. It’s part of a nationwide effort to ensure children don’t go hungry during the summer months, and it’s being implemented in more than 35 states starting in June and July 2025.
If you’re already receiving SNAP, free or reduced-price meals, or Medicaid, there’s a strong chance your family is automatically eligible — but the process, timeline, and benefits vary slightly depending on where you live.
What Exactly Is SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks is a new federally funded program introduced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by individual states. It’s designed to fill a critical gap that many families face during the summer: when school is out, children no longer have access to the free breakfasts and lunches they rely on during the academic year.
To help ease that burden, SUN Bucks provides a one-time payment of $120 per child. These funds are delivered on EBT cards, which can be used to buy food items at grocery stores, supermarkets, and other SNAP-authorized retailers — just like regular SNAP benefits.
This is not a monthly program. Instead, the $120 payment is meant to cover the full summer period, typically June through August.
Who’s Eligible?
Eligibility rules are generally the same across participating states, though a few may include additional criteria or require a manual application for families not automatically enrolled.
Most families will qualify if at least one of the following applies:
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You already receive SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR benefits
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Your child is approved for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program
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Your household qualifies for Medicaid, and your income falls below a certain threshold
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Your child attends a school that provides universal free meals
In most cases, no separate application is required. States will use school and benefits program data to automatically enroll children who qualify.
However, if your family does not receive SNAP or Medicaid, and your child isn’t enrolled in free meals, you may still be able to apply through a manual application with your state’s Department of Education or Social Services.
Which States Are Offering SUN Bucks in Summer 2025?
At least 35 states and tribal nations have opted into the SUN Bucks program for 2025, making it one of the largest summer food initiatives in U.S. history.
States confirmed to participate include:
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California
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New York
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Texas
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Florida
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Illinois
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North Carolina
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Michigan
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Ohio
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Georgia
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Pennsylvania
Each state will launch the program on a different schedule, but most plan to issue the funds sometime in June or early July.
Some states — including Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee — have chosen not to participate this year, citing staffing or implementation challenges. However, advocates are urging these states to reconsider for future years, as the program has proven to reduce food insecurity and improve child nutrition outcomes.
How Will You Get the Payment?
Eligible families will receive the $120 SUN Bucks payment via:
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Their existing SNAP/EBT card, OR
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A new SUN Bucks card sent by mail (typically in a plain white envelope)
If your child is enrolled in school meals but you don’t receive SNAP or Medicaid, you may still be eligible — just make sure your mailing address is current with your school district and benefits agency.
In some states, families will also be able to check payment status online through state benefit portals.
Why This Program Matters
For many low-income families, summer can mean added stress: higher grocery bills, no access to school meals, and children home all day needing food. SUN Bucks is designed to provide relief during this vulnerable time.
Studies from pilot versions of the Summer EBT program showed that families who received benefits were better able to feed their children nutritious meals, leading to healthier outcomes and reduced hunger rates over the summer.
With food prices still higher than pre-pandemic levels, this extra $120 per child could be the difference between making it through the month — or falling short.
What You Should Do Next
If you think your family might be eligible:
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Check your child’s school meal status (Free/reduced or universal free meals)
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Confirm your current address with your child’s school and your state benefits office
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Monitor mail and state benefit portals for SUN Bucks notifications
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If your state requires it, submit an application — this will likely be available through your state’s Department of Education or Human Services website
Payments will begin going out as early as June 2025, depending on your state.
