The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced an important initiative called SUN Bucks to provide additional support for families with school-aged children during the summer.
This program is designed to help families facing the challenge of providing nutritious food during the summer months when children are not receiving meals at school.
SUN Bucks is a one-time payment that offers families $120 per child to help with the extra grocery costs during summer break.
What is SUN Bucks and How Does it Work?
SUN Bucks is an innovative program aimed at easing the financial burden on families when children no longer have access to school meal programs.
These programs, such as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP), help families provide their children with healthy meals throughout the school year.
When the school year ends, these families may find it hard to afford the additional food necessary to keep their children well-fed during the summer. SUN Bucks helps bridge this gap by offering a one-time payment of $120 per child.
The program ensures that children continue to get access to nutritious food, which is crucial for their overall health and well-being. SUN Bucks is part of a broader USDA initiative to address food insecurity and provide additional support to families in need.
Eligibility Criteria for SUN Bucks $120 Payment
The SUN Bucks program is available to families who meet certain criteria. The program is specifically designed for those already receiving assistance from government support programs, including:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Families who are current SNAP recipients will automatically receive $120 per eligible child.
- Other Government Assistance Programs: Families enrolled in programs like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) may also be eligible for SUN Bucks.
- School Meal Program Participants: Families whose children participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and qualify for free or reduced-price meals may qualify for SUN Bucks, even if they do not receive SNAP.
How Much Will Families Receive?
Each eligible child will receive a one-time payment of $120. This payment is intended to help cover the cost of groceries during the summer months, which is especially helpful for families who depend on school meal programs throughout the year.
The payment is provided through the household’s existing SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or a new EBT card.
It is important to note that the SUN Bucks payment must be used within 122 days of issuance. Unlike regular SNAP benefits, SUN Bucks does not roll over month-to-month, so families are encouraged to use the funds before the expiration date.
Application Process for SUN Bucks $120 Payment
The SUN Bucks program is designed to make the process as easy as possible for eligible families.
Families that are already enrolled in SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or whose children are receiving free or reduced-price meals, will be automatically enrolled in the program.
For those families who are not automatically enrolled but meet the eligibility requirements, they can apply for SUN Bucks through the USDA website.
The USDA provides detailed instructions on how to apply, as well as the income requirements for those who wish to participate.
Other Benefits of the SUN Bucks Program
SUN Bucks can be used alongside other summer feeding programs, such as the SUN Meals To-Go and local meal sites. This ensures that families can continue to access nutritious food throughout the summer.
The program began distributing benefits on June 14 and will continue to do so every two weeks through September, as new eligible families are identified.
Families are encouraged to keep their EBT cards safe and check for any updates on the NCDHHS Card Skimmers and Stolen FNS Benefits webpage. These resources provide helpful tips for protecting their benefits.
SUN Bucks and Other Summer Nutrition Programs
SUN Bucks is part of North Carolina’s broader Summer Nutrition Programs, which include free meals at schools and community sites.
For families in need of additional meal support, they can text FOOD to 304-304, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY, or visit the summermeals4nckids.org website to find local meal sites.
This initiative provides vital support to families with school-aged children, helping them maintain access to healthy meals during the summer months. The USDA is working to ensure that all eligible families take full advantage of this valuable resource.
Conclusion
The SUN Bucks program offers significant relief to families who need extra help during the summer months. By providing $120 per eligible child, the program helps ensure that children continue to have access to nutritious food when school meal programs are unavailable.
Families who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to check their status and apply for the benefit if necessary.
The USDA and NCDHHS are committed to providing up-to-date information and ensuring that families are aware of all available resources.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Leave a Reply