The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched an innovative program called SUN Bucks, specifically designed to support families with school-aged children during the summer months. Recognizing the increased financial burden on families when children do not have access to school meals, this program aims to provide additional financial assistance to help cover grocery expenses.
Through SUN Bucks, eligible families can receive a one-time payment of $120 per child to help alleviate the cost of providing nutritious food during the summer break. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the USDA to ensure that children continue to have access to healthy meals even when school is not in session, thereby promoting their overall well-being and health.
$120 Food Stamps Payment Overview
The SUN Bucks program is particularly important because many families rely on school meal programs to provide their children with balanced and nutritious meals throughout the school year. When schools close for summer vacation, these families may struggle to afford the additional food required to meet their children’s nutritional needs. By offering a financial boost, SUN Bucks helps bridge this gap, ensuring that children do not go hungry during the summer.
The program is designed to be inclusive, targeting families who are already receiving assistance from various government programs such as 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 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.
SNAP $120 Payment Eligibility Criteria
Families who participate in various government assistance programs may qualify for SUN Bucks. The eligibility requirements are as follows:
Current SNAP Recipients
Families currently receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will automatically receive SUN Bucks for each eligible child.
Other Program Beneficiaries
Families enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) may also qualify.
School Meal Program Participants
Families with children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) who meet the income requirements for free or reduced-price meals can receive SUN Bucks, even if they are not on SNAP.
SUN Bucks Payment Benefit Details
- Payment Amount: Each eligible child will receive a one-time payment of $120 for the summer period.
- Usage: If needed, the funds will be loaded onto the household’s existing SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or a new EBT card.
- Expiration: SUN Bucks must be used within 122 days of issuance. Unlike regular SNAP benefits, they do not roll over month-to-month.
Application Process for SUN Bucks $120 Payment
- Automatic Enrollment: Families currently enrolled in SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or children receiving free or reduced-price meals at school will be automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program.
- Manual Application: Families not automatically enrolled but who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for SUN Bucks through the USDA’s website. Detailed income requirements and application instructions are available on USDA’s SUN Bucks page.
SUN Bucks is designed to supplement 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 feeding programs such as the SUN Meals To-go or local meal sites.
SUN Bucks benefits began distribution on June 14th and will continue to be issued every two weeks through September as new children are determined eligible. Families are advised to keep their EBT cards safe and visit the NCDHHS Card Skimmers and Stolen FNS Benefits webpage for tips.
The SUN Bucks program is part of North Carolina’s broader Summer Nutrition Programs, which include free meals at schools and community sites. For more information on local meal sites and other support, families can text FOOD to 304-304, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY, or visit summermeals4nckids.org.
The SUN Bucks program provides vital support to families with school-aged children, ensuring they can access nutritious food during the summer months. Eligible families are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply if necessary to take advantage of this valuable benefit. Families should monitor the USDA and NCDHHS social media pages and websites for the most up-to-date information and announcements.
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