How Food Stamps Can Ease Your Family’s Summer Nutrition Needs

With the arrival of summer and the pause on school meals, many families face the added challenge of ensuring their children continue to receive nutritious food. 

Recognizing this need, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a helpful initiative called SUN Bucks. This program is specifically designed to support families with school-aged children by providing financial assistance to purchase food during the summer break.

For each child who qualifies, SUN Bucks offers a one-time benefit of $120. This extra funding is aimed at easing the burden on families to afford healthy meals when school is out.
 

What is the SUN Bucks Program?

The Food Stamps Program, known as SUN Bucks during the summer, becomes a critical support system for many households. School meal programs are a crucial part of a child's diet throughout the academic year. 

The SUN Bucks Food Stamps Program steps in when schools are closed, helping families add nutritious food to their grocery baskets.
 

Who Qualifies for SUN Bucks?

This inclusive program targets families already benefiting from various government initiatives such as:
 

• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• Children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) who meet the criteria for free or reduced-price meals are also eligible for SUN Bucks.

 

Automatic Enrollment and Eligibility

Families receiving SNAP will automatically be granted SUN Bucks for each eligible child without needing to take further action. 

Those part of WIC, TANF, or FDPIR may have to apply, while children who qualify for free or reduced meals at school through NSLP or SBP may be eligible for this assistance, regardless of their enrollment in SNAP.
 

Using the SUN Bucks Benefit

The one-time $120 payment is loaded onto a family’s existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, or a new card will be issued. 

However, funds should be spent within 122 days, as they won't carry over like typical SNAP benefits.
 

Applying for SUN Bucks

Families not enrolled automatically but who meet eligibility requirements can apply via the USDA website. 

The site provides a detailed guide for the application process, outlining the necessary income parameters.
 

Additional SUN Bucks Information

The SUN Bucks program supplements other food aid programs and doesn’t interfere with additional summer resources like SUN Meals To-Go or local meal sites. 

The distribution of benefits began on June 14 and will continue bi-weekly until September to accommodate newly identified eligible children. 

Families should safeguard their EBT cards and can find protection tips on the NCDHHS Card Skimmers and Stolen FNS Benefits website.

For more details on local meal sites and further assistance, families can text “FOOD” to 304-304, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY, or visit the website summermeals4nckids.org.

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