The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced an innovative program called SUN Bucks, which is aimed at helping families with school-aged children during the summer months. This program is designed to ease the financial burden that families face when their children do not have access to school meals. Through the Food Stamps Program, eligible families will receive financial assistance to cover food expenses.
The SUN Bucks program provides a one-time payment of $120 for each eligible child. This money is intended to help families cover the cost of providing nutritious food during the summer. The initiative is part of the USDA’s efforts to ensure that children continue to have access to healthy meals even outside the school period, thereby promoting their well-being and health.
What is the sun bucks food stamps program?
For many families, school meal programs are essential to ensure that their children receive a balanced diet during the academic year. However, during the summer vacation, these families may struggle to afford the extra food needed to meet their children’s nutritional needs. This is where the Food Coupons play a crucial role, providing financial assistance that allows families to maintain an adequate diet for their children during the summer months.
Who is eligible for food coupons?
The program is designed to be inclusive and is aimed at families that already receive assistance from various government programs. These include:
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Additionally, families whose children participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and meet the income requirements for free or reduced-price meals are also eligible to receive SUN Bucks.
Eligibility criteria
Families that already receive SNAP benefits will automatically receive SUN Bucks for each eligible child. No additional action is required as enrollment is automatic. Families enrolled in the WIC, TANF, or FDPIR programs may also qualify for this financial assistance. In these cases, enrollment may not be automatic, and an application may be necessary through the USDA website.
Families with children enrolled in the NSLP or SBP who meet the income requirements for free or reduced-price meals can also receive SUN Bucks. Even if they are not enrolled in SNAP, they can apply for this financial aid.
Details of the sun bucks benefit
Each eligible child will receive a one-time payment of $120 for the summer period. These funds will be loaded onto the household’s existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, or a new EBT card will be issued if necessary. It is important to note that the SUN Bucks funds must be used within 122 days of issuance, as they do not roll over from month to month like regular SNAP benefits.
Application process for sun buck
Families already enrolled in SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or whose children receive free or reduced-price meals at school will be automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program. No additional action is required for these families to receive the benefit.
Families that are not automatically enrolled but meet the eligibility criteria can apply for SUN Bucks through the USDA website. The SUN Bucks page on the USDA website details the income requirements and provides clear instructions for completing the application.
Complementing food assistance
SUN Bucks is designed to complement existing food assistance programs and ensure that children can access nutritious food during the summer. This benefit can be used in conjunction with other summer food programs, such as SUN Meals To-go or local meal sites.
The benefits of SUN Bucks began distribution on June 14 and will continue to be issued every two weeks until September, as new eligible children are identified. Families are advised to keep their EBT cards secure and visit the NCDHHS Card Skimmers and Stolen FNS Benefits website for tips on protecting their benefits.
The SUN Bucks program is part of North Carolina’s Summer Nutrition Programs, which include free meals at schools and community sites. For more information about local meal sites and other support, families can text the word “FOOD” to 304-304, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY, or visit summermeals4nckids.org.
Additional benefits and tips for families
In addition to SUN Bucks Food Coupons, families can access other resources and programs to ensure their children receive adequate nutrition during the summer. These resources include:
- School Summer Meal Programs: Many schools offer free meals during the summer. Families can check with their school district for information on distribution sites and times.
- Community Kitchens: Numerous community organizations offer meal programs during the summer. These kitchens not only provide food but also offer recreational and educational activities for children.
- Local Food Resources: Families can check with food banks and local organizations for additional assistance during the summer months. Many of these organizations offer food packages and nutritional support for families in need.
