States Just Joined the SUN Bucks Program for 2025: With food insecurity on the rise, especially during summer months when school is out, the SUN Bucks Program is expanding to help more families across the U.S. As of 2025, several new states have joined this initiative, which provides financial assistance for families with children who rely on free or reduced-price school meals. This means more parents can ensure their kids have nutritious meals during summer vacation.
In this article, we’ll cover which states are participating in the SUN Bucks Program for 2025, how to make the most of your EBT benefits, and practical tips for using SUN Bucks effectively. Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, or a curious reader, you’ll find valuable insights here.
States Just Joined the SUN Bucks Program for 2025
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| What is SUN Bucks? | A summer food assistance program helping families with children afford nutritious meals. |
| Who qualifies? | Families with children receiving free or reduced-price school meals during the school year. |
| New States in 2025 | North Carolina, Pennsylvania, California, Maryland, Iowa, Colorado, and the District of Columbia. |
| Benefit Amount | Typically $40–$120 per child, depending on the state and funding availability. |
| How to Use Benefits | Funds are loaded onto EBT cards, usable at authorized grocery stores, farmers markets, and online. |
| Official Information | Visit USDA Food and Nutrition Service for details. |
The SUN Bucks Program for 2025 offers a much-needed lifeline for millions of families across the United States. With new states joining, even more children will have access to nutritious meals during the summer. For more information on SUN Bucks, eligibility, and where to use your benefits, visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website. Let’s work together to make sure every child has a healthy, happy summer.
What Is the SUN Bucks Program?
The SUN Bucks Program (or Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer) is a federally funded initiative that provides food assistance to low-income families during the summer when schools are closed. When school is out, children lose access to the free or reduced-price meals provided during the academic year, creating an additional financial burden for families.
SUN Bucks fills this gap by providing extra funds via EBT cards, similar to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, that families can use at grocery stores and farmers markets to buy nutritious food for their children.
Which States Are Participating in 2025?
As of 2025, the program is expanding, with several new states joining to support more families during the summer break. Below is a list of new states participating this year, along with details on the benefits they’re offering:
1. North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina will join SUN Bucks, providing assistance to over a million children across the state. Families can expect benefits to be loaded directly onto their existing EBT cards.
2. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s program provides $120 per eligible child to be used for summer groceries. This funding can cover fresh produce, dairy, and essential pantry items.
3. California
California’s Department of Education has confirmed its commitment to SUN Bucks. The state’s rollout will focus on underserved rural and urban areas to ensure families in all regions have access to this support.
4. Maryland
Maryland offers monthly installments of $40 per child, focusing on fresh and locally sourced produce to encourage healthy eating habits.
5. Colorado
Colorado’s approach includes the SUN Bucks program alongside a Produce Bonus Program to promote fresh produce purchases, benefiting both families and local farmers.
6. Iowa
Iowa’s officials have worked with federal agencies to secure necessary waivers, making sure SUN Bucks reach families in need. The program will cater to both urban and rural areas.
7. District of Columbia
The District of Columbia will implement the SUN Bucks program for 2025, making thousands of families eligible for summer meal assistance.
Eligibility for SUN Bucks
Who Qualifies?
Families do not need to apply separately if they are already enrolled in free or reduced-price school meal programs or SNAP benefits. These families automatically qualify for SUN Bucks.
Confirm Eligibility
- Visit your state’s SNAP or EBT portal to verify your eligibility.
- Check updates from your child’s school or state Department of Human Services, as they often notify families about these benefits.
Common Eligibility Questions
- Do all school-aged children qualify? Only children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals are eligible for SUN Bucks.
- What if my family recently moved to a new state? You may need to contact your state’s Department of Human Services to update your benefits.
Use SUN Bucks Benefits
SUN Bucks are simple to use, but understanding the program guidelines can help you get the most from your benefits.
Where Can You Use SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks funds are loaded onto EBT cards and can be used at participating:
- Grocery Stores like Walmart, Kroger, and local markets.
- Farmers Markets that accept EBT and SNAP benefits, allowing families to buy fresh produce directly from growers.
- Online Retailers like Amazon and Walmart in some states, making grocery shopping more accessible.
What Can You Buy with SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks benefits cover a wide range of healthy foods, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Meats, poultry, and fish
- Bread, cereals, and grains
- Snack foods (within nutrition guidelines) and beverages
- Seeds and plants for growing your own food
However, non-food items, alcohol, tobacco, and hot deli items are not eligible for purchase with SUN Bucks.
Maximizing Your SUN Bucks Benefits
To stretch your benefits and ensure your children receive nutritious meals, here are some practical tips:
1. Prioritize Nutrient-Rich Foods
Look for whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure your children get balanced meals.
2. Buy in Bulk and Freeze Leftovers
Purchasing bulk items like rice, pasta, and frozen vegetables can help stretch your budget and provide multiple meals. Freezing leftovers also helps reduce food waste.
3. Visit Farmers Markets
Many farmers markets accept EBT and may even offer special discounts for SNAP users. Shopping locally can often provide fresher produce and may stretch your dollars further.
4. Look for Additional Discounts or Match Programs
Some states and markets offer bonus programs that add extra value when you use your EBT benefits for fresh produce, giving you more for your money.
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Real Stories: How Families Benefit from SUN Bucks
To understand the impact of the SUN Bucks Program, let’s look at a few case studies from previous years:
Case Study 1: Anna’s Family in California
Anna, a single mother of two, relies on free school lunches during the academic year. Last summer, with SUN Bucks benefits, she was able to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables weekly. “It was a lifesaver,” Anna says. “I didn’t have to choose between paying bills and feeding my kids healthy food.”
Case Study 2: John’s Family in Pennsylvania
John, a father of three, found SUN Bucks essential last summer. “We could use our benefits at our local farmers market, and the kids loved it,” he shares. “They even got to pick their own vegetables, which made them more excited to eat what they chose!”
These examples show the program’s positive impact on families who rely on SUN Bucks to bridge the nutrition gap during summer months.
FAQs On States Just Joined the SUN Bucks Program for 2025
1. Who qualifies for SUN Bucks?
Families with children receiving free or reduced-price school meals qualify.
2. How much money will I get?
Benefit amounts vary by state, typically ranging from $40 to $120 per child.
3. Can I use SUN Bucks online?
Yes, many states allow EBT cards to be used for online grocery shopping with retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
4. What can I NOT buy with SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks cannot be used for non-food items, alcohol, tobacco, or hot meals.
5. When will benefits be available?
Benefits are typically loaded in late spring or early summer.
Why Is the SUN Bucks Program Important?
The SUN Bucks Program addresses a critical need. When schools close, families often struggle with food insecurity. The program helps families avoid that worry, ensuring children continue to receive nutritious meals.
Economic and Community Benefits
SUN Bucks not only supports individual families but also has a positive impact on local economies. Farmers markets and grocery stores benefit from increased sales, while health-focused programs like Colorado’s Produce Bonus encourage healthy eating and support local farmers.
