New Food Program Summer 2024!
SUN Bucks is a new program to help families buy food for their eligible children during the summer.
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SUN BUCKS: Summer EBT for Eligible Families
A new summer food program is here! Beginning summer 2024, you can buy more food for your children with SUN Bucks (S-EBT). SUN Bucks will provide $120 per eligible child to buy groceries when school is out during the summer. This program will be annual. 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.
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 2023-24 school year;
and
- Children ages 0 - 22 years who have submitted a school meal application or Alternative Income Form and 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 Alternative Income Form with their school.
How SUN Bucks Work
Benefits will be provided on a SUN Bucks 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