The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced the SUN Bucks program to assist families with school-aged children during the summer months. This SNAP program aims to alleviate the financial strain when children cannot access school meals by providing a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child for food expenses during the summer.
This initiative is part of the USDA’s broader effort to ensure children have access to nutritious meals year-round, promoting their health and well-being. During the school year, many children depend on school meal programs for balanced nutrition. However, during the summer, these families might find it challenging to provide adequate food.
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What is the SNAP program SUN Bucks Program?
SUN Bucks is designed to bridge this gap by offering financial support, ensuring that children do not go hungry when school is out. The program is inclusive, targeting families already receiving assistance from other government programs. This includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
Families with children participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and meeting the income requirements for free or reduced-price meals are also eligible.
Eligibility Criteria for the $120 SNAP Payment
Current SNAP recipients will automatically receive SUN Bucks for each eligible child. This one-time $120 payment will be loaded onto the household’s existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, or a new EBT card will be issued if necessary.
- Amount: Each eligible child receives a one-time payment of $120 for the summer period.
- Usage: Funds can be used to purchase food at any store accepting EBT.
- Expiration: SUN Bucks must be used within 122 days of issuance. Unlike regular SNAP benefits, these do not roll over month to month.
Application Process for SUN Bucks
Families already enrolled in programs like SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or whose children receive free or reduced-price school meals will be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks. Families not automatically enrolled but meeting the eligibility criteria can apply for SUN Bucks through the USDA website. Detailed income requirements and application instructions are available on the USDA’s SUN Bucks page.
Distribution of SUN Bucks Benefits
The distribution of SUN Bucks began on June 14 and will continue bi-weekly until September, as new children’s eligibility is determined. Families are advised to keep their EBT cards secure and refer to the NCDHHS page on Card Skimmers and Stolen FNS Benefits for tips on protecting their benefits.
In addition to financial relief, the SUN Bucks program ensures that children have access to nutritious food during the summer, which is crucial for their health and development. Studies show that good nutrition is essential for cognitive and physical growth, and SUN Bucks helps families provide this nutrition even when school meals are unavailable.
Using SUN Bucks
SUN Bucks funds can be used at any establishment accepting EBT, giving families the flexibility to purchase the food they need. This includes supermarkets, farmers’ markets, and other grocery stores that accept EBT payments.
It’s important for families to keep their EBT cards safe and be aware of potential fraud. The USDA and NCDHHS offer resources and tips to protect SNAP and SUN Bucks benefits from theft or misuse.
The SUN Bucks program represents a significant effort by the USDA to support families during the summer, ensuring that children continue to receive the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. By providing a one-time payment of $120 per child, this program helps ease the financial burden on families and ensures children do not go hungry during the summer break. Eligible families should stay informed about USDA announcements and use their benefits within the specified period to maximize the positive impact of this assistance.