Summer 2024 will be the first year for SUN Bucks, a new benefits program that provides families $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out. Summer is a time when many children lose the free and reduced-price meals they get at school, and when households might need a little extra help putting meals on the table. Most eligible families will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply. This new program is available in addition to free meals that kids of all ages can get at summer meal sites in their communities.
Benefits of SUN Bucks
- Helps parents and caregivers buy healthy foods for their children.
- Gives families the flexibility to select foods that fit their culture and lifestyle.
- Improves food security and diet quality for participating children.
Eligibility
Children are automatically eligible for the program if:
- the household already participates in SNAP, TANF, or income-based Medicaid, or
- the school-aged child is a foster child defined as being a ward of the state, homeless, or migrant, or
- the child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and the household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
Learn More
Llinks for families to apply if they don’t meet the above highlighted criteria.
- Ohio residents: Summer EBT (ohio.gov)
- Kentucky residents: Kentucky Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer – Cabinet for Health and Family Services
- Indiana: DOE: Indiana SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)