In a move to combat food insecurity during the summer months, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering an additional 0 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to eligible low-income families with school-age children. This initiative, known as the SUN Bucks project or Summer EBT, aims to bridge the gap and ensure that no child goes hungry when school-provided meals are not available.
Empowering Families to Nourish Their Children
Expanding SNAP Benefits for Summer Sustenance
The USDA's SUN Bucks project is a game-changer for millions of American families. Typically, SNAP households receive benefits ranging from 1 to ,751 per month, depending on the size of the household. However, during the summer months, these families can now access an additional 0 in SNAP benefits to help cover the cost of food while their children are out of school.This extra support is a lifeline for families who rely on free school-provided breakfasts and lunches to feed their children. With the SUN Bucks program, these families can now ensure their children have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer, preventing the risk of food insecurity and malnutrition.
Eligibility and Enrollment: Ensuring Widespread Access
To be eligible for the SUN Bucks program, families must have school-age children and be enrolled in other government assistance programs, such as SNAP, WIC, TANF, or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Families with children in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program can also participate if they meet the income requirements, which include the 185% poverty level (,500 per year) and 130% of the federal poverty level.The enrollment process is straightforward for those already receiving benefits from the aforementioned programs, as they will be automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program. However, for those who do not currently receive assistance, the USDA encourages them to apply through the official website to ensure they can access this vital summer support.
Maximizing the Impact: Eligible States and Territories
The SUN Bucks program is being implemented across more than 30 states, Washington, D.C., several tribal nations, and U.S. territories, including American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While the majority of states are participating, a few, such as Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming, have opted not to join the initiative.For those living in the eligible states, the additional SNAP benefits will be distributed every two weeks from June 14 through September, providing a much-needed boost to families during the summer months. It's important to note that the specific payment schedules may vary by state, so beneficiaries should check with their local authorities to ensure they receive their SUN Bucks at the appropriate time.
Utilizing the SUN Bucks: Empowering Families to Nourish Their Children
The SUN Bucks program offers families a flexible and convenient way to access additional food resources during the summer. Each eligible child in the household will receive a 0 card, which can be used to purchase up to worth of food per month for June, July, and August.These funds can be used at a variety of authorized locations, including supermarkets, farmers' markets, and online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Families can use their SUN Bucks to supplement their regular SNAP benefits, ensuring they have the resources to provide their children with a balanced and nutritious diet throughout the summer.It's important to note that the SUN Bucks cannot be used to purchase hot food, pet food, cleaning supplies, medicine, or personal hygiene items. However, families can still access other food assistance programs, such as Summer Meals, CalFresh, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), to further support their children's nutritional needs.
