The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced a new program called SUN Bucks to assist families with school-aged children during the summer months. This initiative acknowledges the increased financial strain on families when children are out of school and do not have access to regular school meals, providing additional funds to help with grocery expenses.
Overview of the SUN Bucks Program
SUN Bucks offers eligible families a one-time payment of $120 per child to support nutritious food purchases during the summer break. The program aims to ensure that children continue to have access to healthy meals when school is not in session, supporting their overall health and well-being. The initiative is crucial as many families rely on school meal programs for balanced nutrition for their children. When schools close for the summer, these families may struggle to provide the additional food needed to meet their children’s dietary needs.
Eligibility for SUN Bucks
The SUN Bucks program is inclusive, targeting families already receiving aid from various government programs, including:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Additionally, families with children participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP), who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, are eligible for SUN Bucks, even if they are not part of SNAP.
Details of SUN Bucks Payment
- Payment Amount: $120 per child, provided as a one-time payment.
- Usage: Funds are loaded onto the household’s existing SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or issued on a new EBT card if necessary.
- Expiration: The benefits must be used within 122 days of issuance and do not roll over month-to-month, unlike regular SNAP benefits.
Application Process
The SUN Bucks program enrolls eligible families automatically if they are already receiving benefits through SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or if their children are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Families not automatically enrolled but who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for SUN Bucks through the USDA’s website, where detailed income requirements and application instructions are available.
Distribution and Additional Support
SUN Bucks benefits started distribution on June 14th and will continue bi-weekly through September as new eligible children are identified. Families should keep their EBT cards secure and can visit the NCDHHS Card Skimmers and Stolen FNS Benefits webpage for safety tips. The program is part of North Carolina’s broader Summer Nutrition Programs, which also include free meals at schools and community sites. For more information, families can text FOOD to 304-304, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY, or visit summermeals4nckids.org.
The SUN Bucks program is a valuable resource for families, ensuring that children have access to nutritious food during the summer months. Families are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply if necessary to benefit from this program. For the latest updates, families should monitor USDA and NCDHHS social media pages and websites.
FAQs:
What is the SUN Bucks program?
The SUN Bucks program provides financial assistance to families with school-aged children to help cover grocery expenses during the summer when school meals are unavailable.
How much money do eligible families receive per child?
Each eligible child receives a one-time payment of $120.
Who is eligible for SUN Bucks?
Families receiving benefits from programs like SNAP, WIC, TANF, FDPIR, or whose children are part of the NSLP or SBP and qualify for free or reduced-price meals are eligible.