To support families during the summer months, several states in the U.S. are providing an additional $120 with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments for July. This initiative, known as the SUN Bucks program, aims to help families cover the cost of feeding children while school is out. Here’s a detailed look at the states participating in this program, the eligibility criteria, and how it benefits families.
Overview of the SUN Bucks Program
The SUN Bucks program is a federal initiative designed to provide extra financial support to families with school-age children during the summer. The program offers an additional $120 per qualifying child to help cover grocery costs when children do not have access to school meals. This initiative is particularly crucial as it addresses the increased food insecurity that many families face during the summer months.
States participating in the program
There are over 30 states participating in the SUN Bucks program but most states have either sent out payments earlier this year or are to send them later in the year. At the time of wrting the following states are participating in the SUN Bucks program and will be issuing the extra $120 payment for the month of July, 2024:
- California
- Connecticut
- Kansas
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Michigan
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- New York
- Ohio
- Vermont
In addition to these states, the program also includes Washington D.C., some tribal nations, and U.S. territories such as American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
SUN Bucks Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the SUN Bucks program, families must meet specific criteria:
- Participation in SNAP or other assistance programs: Families must already be participating in SNAP, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- School-Age children: The program is designed for families with school-age children who would typically rely on free or reduced-price meals during the school year.
- Income requirements: Families must meet the income requirements for free or reduced-price school meals. This ensures that the additional support goes to those who need it most.
- Your child will also need to attend a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program
Benefits of the program
The SUN Bucks program provides several benefits to families:
- Financial relief: The additional $120 per child helps families manage the increased grocery costs during the summer when children are not receiving school meals.
- Improved nutrition: By providing extra funds, the program helps ensure that children have access to nutritious food, which is essential for their growth and development.
- Reduced food insecurity: The program aims to reduce food insecurity among children, which is particularly high during the summer months when school meals are not available.
How to receive the extra payment
Families who are eligible for the SUN Bucks program do not need to apply separately. The additional $120 will be automatically added to their SNAP benefits for the month of July. The payment will be issued through the same method as regular SNAP benefits, typically via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
