The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) have announced that 12 states do not offer SUN Bucks payments for SNAP recipients. SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, are available in about 34 states. Some tribes provide $120 checks to SNAP recipients, even if their state does not participate in the SUN Bucks program.
What are SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks are part of the Summer EBT program that helps families with school-aged children during the summer months. These benefits are for families receiving SNAP, WIC, TANF, or FDPIR. If you have kids in school and receive these benefits, you may be automatically enrolled in the program.
States Not Participating in SUN Bucks
Some states do not participate in the SUN Bucks program, even if they offer SNAP benefits. These states are:
- Idaho
- Wyoming
- South Dakota
- Iowa
- Utah
- Texas
- Alaska
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- Florida
States Planning to Join SUN Bucks
Some states are not part of the SUN Bucks initiative this summer but plan to join soon. These states include:
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- U.S. Virgin Islands
Alternative SUN Programs
If your state does not offer SUN Bucks, there are other programs available. The SUN Meals program provides meals in parks, schools, and other locations. If you live in a rural area, look for the SUN Meals To-Go program.
Eligibility and Enrollment for SUN Bucks
To find out if your state plans to join the SUN Bucks program, visit the USDA website. Select your state on the map to get information about eligibility and enrollment. For example, if you live in Missouri, you can call 855-373-4636 for details on applying for SUN Bucks while on SNAP or if you are automatically enrolled.
Receiving SUN Bucks for SBP or NSLP Participants
Families with kids in the School Breakfast Program (SBP) or National School Lunch Program (NSLP) can receive SUN Bucks in three ways:
- Automatic Enrollment: If you already receive benefits like SNAP or TANF, you may be automatically enrolled.
- School Meal Programs: Kids can be enrolled if household income qualifies.
- Direct Application: Applications start on July 1, 2024. Families must meet income limits and apply by August 31, 2024.
Once enrolled, $120 per child will be issued on existing EBT cards or new SUN Bucks cards from late August to October 2024.
Understanding SUN Bucks and other summer meal programs can help families ensure their children have access to food during the summer months. Check if your state participates, and explore other available programs to support your family’s needs.
1. What are SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks are part of the Summer EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) program. They provide financial assistance to families with school-aged children during the summer months. These benefits help families that receive SNAP, WIC, TANF, or FDPIR.
2. Which states do not participate in the SUN Bucks program?
The states that do not participate in the SUN Bucks program are Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa, Utah, Texas, Alaska, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida.
3. How can I find out if my state plans to join the SUN Bucks program?
To find out if your state plans to join the SUN Bucks program, visit the USDA website and select your state on the map. You can also call the provided state-specific phone numbers for more details on eligibility and enrollment.
4. What should I do if my state does not offer SUN Bucks?
If your state does not offer SUN Bucks, look into alternative programs like the SUN Meals program, which provides meals in parks, schools, and other locations. For rural areas, the SUN Meals To-Go program may be available.
How do families with kids in the School Breakfast Program (SBP) or National School Lunch Program (NSLP) receive SUN Bucks?
Families with kids in SBP or NSLP can receive SUN Bucks through automatic enrollment if they already receive benefits like SNAP or TANF, through school meal programs if their household income qualifies, or by direct application starting on July 1, 2024. They must meet income limits and apply by August 31, 2024. Once enrolled, $120 per child will be issued on existing EBT cards or new SUN Bucks cards from late August to October 2024.