The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income individuals and families access essential food assistance. During the summer months, many families face a challenge when school is out and children no longer receive free school meals.
The SUN Bucks program steps in to provide an extra $120 during the summer months, deposited onto EBT cards, to ease the financial burden.
For 2025, several states have newly joined the SUN Bucks initiative, expanding access for SNAP families who were previously left out.
Newly Participating States
In 2024, several states did not participate in the SUN Bucks program, but they have since joined for 2025. These states are now gearing up to send SUN Bucks payments to eligible recipients next summer:
- Nevada
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Hawaii
- United States Virgin Islands
- Puerto Rico
- Louisiana
Residents in these states who qualify for the SUN Bucks program can expect extra funds on their EBT cards during the summer months. This expansion aims to help more families cover food costs when school meal programs are unavailable.
Qualifying for SUN Bucks
To qualify for the SUN Bucks program, you must meet certain criteria, which often align with SNAP eligibility:
- School-Age Children: Families with school-age children may qualify, especially if they receive SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR benefits.
- School Meal Programs: Children whose schools participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program are eligible if their family income meets the USDA’s limits for free or reduced-price meals.
The SUN Bucks program is designed to be compatible with existing SNAP benefits, meaning eligible families can receive both without jeopardizing their other assistance.
States Not Participating
While the SUN Bucks program is expanding, some states continue to opt out of participation. If you live in one of these states, your SNAP benefits alone may apply during the summer months:
- Idaho
- Wyoming
- Utah
- South Dakota
- Iowa
- Texas
- Florida
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- Alaska
Residents in these states will need to rely solely on SNAP or other local food assistance programs during the summer.
Program Benefits and Considerations
The SUN Bucks program provides a valuable boost to low-income families during summer, when food insecurity often rises. Eligible families should check with their state SNAP office or local social services to confirm their qualification status and ensure all necessary documentation is up-to-date.
The program can make a significant difference for families who struggle to cover grocery costs when children are home all day. As more states join, families across the U.S. gain access to a critical source of support.
