Families all throughout the country will soon be able to get a unique summer boost called SUN Bucks and comparable to SNAP. This initiative promises a one-time $120 grocery benefit per child, with the goal of helping school-aged kids stay well-fed during summer months when school cafeterias are closed.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects that the initiative will help around 21 million children overall by 2025. That figure includes six tribal entities, five territories, and 38 active states.
This could be the relief you have been waiting for if you have ever concerned about juggling your food budget during breaks from school.
Knowing who qualifies for SUN Bucks and how that affects families
Any child who receives SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid (in qualifying states) should be enrolled automatically in SUN Bucks.
Kids who attend a school participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program are also included if they meet the free or reduced-price meal criteria. But what if your child isn’t automatically enrolled? Households can still apply through their state’s Summer EBT or SUN Bucks portal, provided they meet income guidelines.
Wondering if this could replace your usual summer food expenses?
The $120 benefit is typically loaded onto a card similar to an EBT card. Families can then buy groceries at approved retailers that accept SNAP. However, items like alcohol, hot prepared foods, and non-food products are excluded.
Key distribution timelines and deadlines every interested recipient should keep in mind now
Each state will decide when to issue SUN Bucks, with some starting as early as May and others rolling out in June. Most families will get the $120 in three payments of $40 each. Keep in mind that once these funds show up, you have 122 days to spend them before they expire. Here’s a quick look at states not participating, so you know where things stand:
States Not Participating Note
- Alaska No SUN Bucks for 2025
- Florida No SUN Bucks for 2025
- Georgia No SUN Bucks for 2025
- Idaho No SUN Bucks for 2025
- Indiana No SUN Bucks for 2025
- Iowa No SUN Bucks for 2025
- Mississippi No SUN Bucks for 2025
Oklahoma Certain tribal nations within are participating
- South Carolina No SUN Bucks for 2025
- South Dakota No SUN Bucks for 2025
- Tennessee No SUN Bucks for 2025
- Texas No SUN Bucks for 2025
- Wyoming No SUN Bucks for 2025
Here is the official list of states, territories, and tribal nations sending SUN Bucks
A total of 38 states will participate, including California, New York, Ohio, and Washington. All five U.S. territories—American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S.
Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands—are also on board. Tribal nations like the Cherokee Nation and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma are among those opting in.
In conclusion, if you’re interested in SUN Bucks, check your state’s online portal to confirm eligibility and timing. Once you receive your card, act quickly to use the benefit before it expires. This new program could be a game-changer for families who need that extra grocery support during the summer months.
