Summer Food Program
SUN Bucks is a program to help families buy food for their eligible children during the summer.
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SUN BUCKS: Summer EBT for Eligible Families
SUN BUCKS is an annual program that provides $120 per eligible child to buy groceries when school is out during the summer. Most families will get these benefits automatically, but some families will need to apply. SUN BUCKS can be used along with CalFresh food benefits and free meals for kids at summer meal sites in their communities. SUN BUCKS must be used within 122 days of funds being loaded to the card. Any unused funds on the SUN BUCKS EBT card after 122 days will expire and cannot be replaced.
Who Gets SUN BUCKS?
- Children ages 6 – 18 who get CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (below 185% federal poverty line [FPL]) at any point during the school year;
and
- Children ages 0 - 22 years who have submitted a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application meet FPL thresholds.
Most families will get SUN BUCKS automatically, but some may need to apply.
Children who are not automatically eligible for SUN BUCKS based on the two categories outlined above must apply by submitting a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application with their child's school.
How SUN BUCKS Work
Benefits will be provided on a SUN BUCKS EBT card in the child's name. One SUN BUCKS card will be issued per eligible child. Each card will be loaded with $120 per eligible child for the entire summer. SUN BUCKS cards will be accepted at locations where CalFresh EBT cards are accepted, including grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and approved online grocery retailers. Using SUN BUCKS will not affect a family’s immigration status.
For more information or for assistance with your SUN BUCKS:
Visit www.cdss.ca.gov/sunbucks
SUN Bucks cardholders can call the SUN BUCKS Helpline at (877) 328-9677