According to Yuvagalam , The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced an innovative initiative called SUN Bucks, designed to support families with school-aged children during the summer months. Recognizing the increased financial strain on families when children do not have access to school meals, SUN Bucks provides additional assistance to help cover grocery costs, ensuring children continue to receive nutritious food while school is out of session.
What is SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks offers eligible families a one-time payment of $120 per child to ease the cost of food during the summer break. This program is part of the USDA’s broader effort to ensure that children have access to healthy meals even when they’re not in school, promoting their well-being and health throughout the summer months.
For many families, school meal programs are a vital source of balanced nutrition during the academic year. When schools close for the summer, these families often struggle to provide the additional meals needed to meet their children’s nutritional requirements. The SUN Bucks program helps fill this gap, preventing food insecurity during the break.
Who is Eligible for SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks is designed to assist families already receiving government benefits or whose children participate in federal meal programs. Eligible families may receive the $120 payment if they meet the following criteria:
- Current SNAP Recipients: Families already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will automatically receive SUN Bucks for each eligible child.
- Other Program Beneficiaries: Families enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) may also qualify for SUN Bucks.
- School Meal Program Participants: Families with children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) who meet the income qualifications for free or reduced-price meals are eligible, even if they do not receive SNAP benefits.
SUN Bucks Payment Details
- Payment Amount: Eligible families will receive a one-time payment of $120 per child for the summer period.
- Usage: The funds will be loaded onto the household’s existing SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or a new EBT card if needed.
- Expiration: SUN Bucks must be used within 122 days of issuance. Unlike regular SNAP benefits, they do not roll over month-to-month.
How to Apply for SUN Bucks
- Automatic Enrollment: Families currently enrolled in SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or children receiving free or reduced-price meals at school will be automatically enrolled in the program.
- Manual Application: Families who do not receive these benefits but meet the eligibility criteria can apply for SUN Bucks through the USDA website. Detailed income requirements and application instructions are available on the USDA’s SUN Bucks page.
Additional Benefits and Support
SUN Bucks is meant to complement other summer nutrition initiatives, such as the SUN Meals To-go program and local meal sites. Families can use SUN Bucks along with other summer feeding programs to ensure their children continue to receive nutritious meals.
Distribution Timeline
SUN Bucks payments began on June 14 and will continue to be issued every two weeks through September as new children become eligible. Families are encouraged to keep their EBT cards secure and to be aware of potential scams. For tips on protecting benefits, visit the NCDHHS Card Skimmers and Stolen FNS Benefits webpage.
Summer Nutrition Resources
In addition to SUN Bucks, North Carolina offers various Summer Nutrition Programs, including free meals at schools and community sites. Families can access additional information on local meal sites by texting “FOOD” to 304-304, calling 1-866-3-HUNGRY, or visiting the summermeals4nckids.org website.
Conclusion
The SUN Bucks program is an essential resource for families with school-aged children, helping them provide nutritious food during the summer months. Eligible families are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply if necessary. Stay updated by following the USDA and NCDHHS on social media or visiting their websites for the latest announcements and information on the program.
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