Millions of children in the United States lose the free or reduced-price lunches that keep them fed throughout the school year when schools shut down during the summer months. The SUN Bucks program was implemented to resolve this seasonal nutrition gap also referred to as Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT). The program is followed in the year 2025 with a higher rate of coverage, especially in California where over 4 million children will automatically get a pay of 120 dollars to supplement the expenses incurred in summer food. The project is an extension to a countrywide campaign against child hunger in school holidays and a reduction to the financial pressure experienced on the low income families.
How Does SUN Bucks Work and What Is It?
SUN Bucks was established by the federal legislature, being a provision of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, and its implementation started in 2024. In California, California Department of Social Services (CDSS) runs the program, together with the California Department of Education (CDE). The program provides food assistance through EBT cards loading money that can be used in designated grocery shops and markets. In 2025, the amount that a child receives under the benefit is 120 $, the amount is divided into the summertime- 40 3 months (June, July, August). The program is meant to make sure that no child is left to go hungry simply because there is no school.
Who Automatically Qualifies for the $120 Benefit?
The majority of families will not need to apply for SUN Bucks benefits because most eligible children are automatically enrolled. Automatic eligibility includes children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals through their school via a standard School Meal Application or a Universal Benefits Application. Additionally, children living in households already receiving CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal benefits,and whose household income is at or below 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level,will also receive benefits automatically. Children in foster care, those experiencing homelessness, and those attending Head Start programs are also considered categorically eligible. According to data from CDSS and CDE, more than 4 million California children meet these criteria and will receive their benefits without requiring any additional steps from their families.
How Can Other Children Qualify for SUN Bucks?
While most eligible children are enrolled automatically, there are families who must take action to ensure their children receive the benefit. Children who are not identified through existing state databases,perhaps due to attending private schools or recently moving,may still qualify if their families submit a School Meal Application or a Universal Benefits Application. These applications must be turned in to the child’s school or school district office by September 1, 2025. Once approved, these children will be added to the second wave of benefit distributions. This inclusive process ensures that even those who are initially overlooked have a chance to receive support.
Distribution Timeline and Use of Funds
The delivery of SUN Bucks EBT cards in California will occur in two stages. The first stage begins in early June and continues through July 2025. During this period, children who are automatically eligible will start receiving their cards by mail. The distribution follows an alphabetical order based on the child’s last name. The second stage begins in September 2025 for children who become eligible through the application process. Regardless of when the EBT card arrives, it will be preloaded with the full $120 benefit. Families are encouraged to use the funds promptly, as federal rules mandate that benefits must be used within 122 days of being loaded onto the card. Any unused funds after this period will expire and cannot be replaced.
Where Can Families Use SUN Bucks?
The SUN Bucks EBT card functions like a standard EBT or CalFresh card and can be used at a variety of food retailers. Families can shop at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other outlets that accept EBT payments. The benefit is intended to provide flexibility in food purchases while promoting healthy eating habits. California’s food assistance infrastructure, including programs like Farm to School and SUN Meals, work alongside SUN Bucks to ensure that children have access to fresh, locally grown, and nutritious foods even when they are out of school.
California’s Leadership in Combating Child Hunger
California continues to lead the nation in efforts to address food insecurity among children. In 2024 alone, nearly $500 million in SUN Bucks food benefits were spent by California families, proving both the need for and success of the program. This year’s expansion builds upon that impact, with state leaders like Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom championing the cause. Governor Newsom emphasized the state’s commitment by stating that “no kid in California should go hungry,especially during the summer months when school meals aren’t available.” California’s proactive approach, which includes universal school meals and nutrition-focused legislation, showcases a long-term strategy aimed at improving children’s health and development.
