California ‘SUN Bucks' program will feed millions of children over summer break
Millions of children across California will receive 'SUN Bucks' to purchase food during the summer school break.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday, announced the return of the food program that is expected to help feed over 4 million eligible California children.
The Sun Bucks EBT cards can be used to purchase groceries starting in June, and each eligible child will receive $120, state officials said.
'It's absolutely essential that no kid in California go hungry – especially during the summer months when school meals aren't available,' Newson said. 'We're proud to administer the SUN Bucks program and lead the nation in beating childhood hunger.'
Most children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals through a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application, or receive CalFresh, CalWORKs, and/or Medi-Cal benefits (certified at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level), are automatically enrolled.
Children in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or attending Head Start are also categorically eligible and are automatically enrolled.
Children who are not determined to be automatically eligible may apply by submitting a school meal application or to their school or school administrator's office by Sept. 1, to receive SUN Bucks benefits for summer 2025.
'We're excited to see SUN Bucks return for the summer of 2025,' said Jennifer Troia, California Department of Social Services director. 'Last year, this program not only helped put food on the table for millions of California families, but it also bolstered local economies where food benefits were spent.'
Per federal rules, funds must be used within 122 days of funds being added to the card. Any unused funds on the card will expire after 122 days. Expired benefits cannot be replaced.
California was one of the first states in the nation to launch SUN Bucks in the summer of 2024.
In its first year, nearly $500 million in food purchases were made and the families and caregivers of more than 4.3 million California children activated their SUN Bucks cards.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: California SUN Bucks EBT cards to feed millions of kids in summer 2025
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