We’re sharing an important update for families about SUN Bucks (also known as Summer EBT), a program that provides grocery benefits for eligible school-aged children during the summer months when access to school meals is limited.

What to Know: Eligible families will receive a one-time benefit of $120 per child to help cover grocery costs over the summer. Benefits can be used to purchase everyday grocery items like milk, bread, fruit, vegetables, and snacks.

Who Qualifies? Children approved for free or reduced-price school meals through a school meal application (School Funding Form), OR who receive CalFresh, CalWORKS, Medi-Cal benefits, or who are homeless, in foster care, or migrant youth. You can complete this short questionnaire to find out if you're eligible. 

No need to apply if your child already qualifies. Students who meet the requirements above will be automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program. If your child is already directly certified for free or reduced-price meals (through CalFresh, CalWORKS, Medi-Cal, or other programs) or you’ve already submitted a school meal application (School Funding Form) and are approved for free or reduced-price meals, you do not need to submit an application for SUN Bucks eligibility. Eligible students will be enrolled automatically.

Still need to apply? Families not enrolled in CalFresh, CalWORKS, or Medi-Cal, or are not already approved for free or reduced-price meals through a school meal application (School Funding Form), can still qualify by submitting a school meal application by September 1, 2025. 

Want to learn more? Visit the SUN Bucks website or call the SUN Bucks Helpline at (877) 328-8677

This program is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and coordinated by the California Department of Social Services in partnership with the California Department of Education.

We encourage eligible families to take advantage of this support for a healthy and nourished summer.