Aug 09 SUN Bucks Program Provides Summer Food Options for PA’s Children

Aug 09h in Bold Voices by

(August 9, 2024)

When school is out for summer, nearly 30 million school aged-children lose access to healthy meals through school breakfast and lunch programs. This makes it much more difficult for kids to get the essential nutrients for growth during these months, and puts them at a risk of food insecurity.

What are SUN Bucks?

In an effort to address this summer hunger gap, the USDA introduced SUN Bucks, an opportunity for states to participate in a new summer EBT program. Allies for Children and our partners in nutrition advocacy were thrilled to hear that Pennsylvania opted into this new program beginning this summer.

What do eligible families receive?

For 2024, families receive $120 per eligible school-aged child (equivalent to $40 per summer month) toward groceries. SUN Bucks is designed to work alongside other benefit programs, such as SNAP and WIC, therefore benefits are issued on the family’s existing EBT card, when available. The process of distributing benefits will be completed by September 20, 2024. WIC, School Meals, and SUN Bucks all use the same income limits.

How do children get enrolled?

Most eligible children are enrolled automatically, but some households will need to submit an application. Children who can receive these benefits without an application include children who:

  • are in Head Start or foster care, are unhoused or runaways and attend a school that participates in a National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
  • are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits and attend a school that participates in a National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

To see if you or a family you know qualifies, see this determination tool available on DHS’ website. The deadline to apply for this summer is August 31, 2024.

Where can families redeem benefits?

Grocery stores, farmers’ markets, convenience stores, and online retailers accept SUN Bucks. Often, these are the same retailers that accept SNAP and WIC. Families can purchase most fresh, canned, and frozen foods with these benefits. A comprehensive list of eligible items can be found here.

Check out these resources for more information:

Cristina Codario, Allies for Children Policy Director