The SUN Bucks Program is expanding in 2025, providing food assistance to even more families across the U.S. With new states like Arkansas, Nevada, and Michigan joining the initiative, eligible households can receive $120–$150 per child per month for groceries during the summer.
If you’re wondering whether you qualify or how to maximize these benefits, here’s everything you need to know.
SUN Bucks
The SUN Bucks Program, officially called the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT), launched in 2024 to help families feed their children when school meal programs are unavailable.
The program aims to reduce summer food insecurity by offering financial assistance to families with children who receive free or reduced-price school meals.
Given its success, more states are participating in 2025, ensuring that more children have access to nutritious food during summer break.
SUN Bucks Overview
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| What is SUN Bucks? | A summer food benefits program for low-income families. |
| States Joining in 2025 | Arkansas, Nevada, Michigan, and more. |
| Who Qualifies? | SNAP recipients or children eligible for free/reduced school meals. |
| Key Benefits | $120–$150 per child per month for groceries. |
| Where to Use? | Grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and some online retailers. |
With the program’s expansion, thousands of additional families will gain access to these essential benefits in the coming year.
How Does SUN Bucks Work?
SUN Bucks operates as an extension of the existing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and NSLP (National School Lunch Program).
Families receive a set amount of funds on an EBT card, which can be used to buy eligible food items at approved locations.
Program Impact in 2024
In its first year, SUN Bucks:
- Helped 4 million children across 25 states.
- Provided over $1 billion in food assistance.
- Reduced food insecurity by 15% in participating states, according to the USDA.
With new states joining in 2025, the program is expected to reach even more children and further reduce hunger among low-income families.
Why Is the SUN Bucks Program Important?
Many children rely on school meals for daily nutrition. When schools close for summer, families often struggle to provide enough food. SUN Bucks fills this gap by ensuring that children continue to receive nutritious meals even when school is out.
- Bridging the Summer Nutrition Gap: Over 22 million children depend on free or reduced-price school meals. SUN Bucks ensures they don’t go hungry during summer.
- Promoting Healthy Eating: Funds can be used for fresh produce, dairy, proteins, and whole grains, encouraging balanced diets.
New States Joining the Program in 2025
For 2025, the USDA has confirmed that additional states are joining the initiative, including:
- Arkansas
- Nevada
- Michigan
This expansion means that more families will receive automatic food benefits, helping ease the financial burden of grocery expenses during summer break.
What This Means for Families
Families in these states can:
- Automatically Receive Benefits: Funds will be loaded onto their EBT cards.
- Shop at Local and Online Stores: Benefits can be used at grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and online platforms like Walmart and Amazon.
How Much Can Families Receive?
Eligible families will receive $120–$150 per child per month from June through August. The exact amount depends on:
- Household size
- State funding allocations
For example:
| Number of Children | Total Benefit Per Month | Total for the Summer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Child | $120–$150 | $360–$450 |
| 2 Children | $240–$300 | $720–$900 |
| 3 Children | $360–$450 | $1,080–$1,350 |
Maximizing Your SUN Bucks Benefits
Want to make the most of your benefits? Here are some tips:
- Plan Meals in Advance: Choose affordable, nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Shop at Farmer’s Markets: Many accept EBT and offer fresher, often cheaper options.
- Look for Discounts: Some states provide additional savings for EBT users at certain stores.
- Track Your Balance: Keep an eye on your EBT balance to avoid surprises at checkout.
- Explore Online Grocery Options: Use Amazon, Walmart, and Instacart for convenience and better deals.
Real-Life Impact
Maria Rodriguez, a mother of two from Texas, shared her experience with SUN Bucks in 2024:
“The SUN Bucks program helped us buy fresh fruits and vegetables for the first time in months. My kids loved the healthier meals, and it took a lot of stress off my shoulders.”
Stories like Maria’s highlight the real-world benefits of the program for families nationwide.
How SUN Bucks Compares to Other Programs
While SUN Bucks is designed for summer food assistance, other programs also help families year-round:
| Program | Purpose |
|---|---|
| SNAP Benefits | Provides food assistance year-round for low-income families. |
| WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) | Supports nutritional needs of pregnant women and young children. |
| Community Food Banks | Offer free food to those in need throughout the year. |
Challenges and Solutions
Despite its success, SUN Bucks faces a few challenges:
1. Lack of Awareness
Many eligible families don’t know about the program. The USDA is increasing outreach through schools and community organizations.
2. Limited Access in Rural Areas
Families in rural locations often struggle to find participating retailers. To address this, states are:
- Expanding mobile markets.
- Increasing online grocery options for EBT users.
SUN Bucks is a game-changer for families struggling with food insecurity. With its expansion in 2025, even more children will have access to nutritious meals during summer break. If you qualify, be sure to take full advantage of this valuable program.
