Latest news with #SUNBucks'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘SUN Bucks' program returning for eligible Virginia, North Carolina families
NOTE: The above video is from previous coverage of the SUN Bucks program in 2024. PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — The 'SUN Bucks' program is coming back for eligible Virginia and North Carolina families this summer. The program, which was launched by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2024, helps families with school-age children over the summer by providing $120 to buy groceries while school is out. USDA to introduce new food assistance program for families in VA and NC Families who are already receiving SNAP, TANF, FDPIR or other income-based benefits, as well as children who attend schools offering the National School Lunch Program and are eligible for free or reduced school meals are automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program. An income eligibility table can be found below to see if you potentially qualify for SUN Bucks. Household Members Annual Monthly Twice per month Every two weeks Weekly 1 $27861 $2322 $1161 $1072 $536 2 $37814 $3152 $1576 $1455 $728 3 $47767 $3981 $1991 $1838 $919 4 $57720 $4810 $2405 $2220 $1110 5 $67673 $5640 $2820 $2603 $1302 In Virginia, those who were not automatically enrolled are still able to apply for the program by filling out this form and mailing the application to the Virginia Department of Social Services, located at 5600 Cox Road. In North Carolina, individuals who wish to apply will need a Student ID for each student, school name, income of each household member and any information related to FNS, TANF or CTFDP. The application can be found here. For more information on SUN Bucks and to see if you may apply, click here. Continue to check for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘SUN Bucks' program looks to fill summer void for students who receive free school meals
A 'SNAP welcomed here' sign is seen at the entrance to a Big Lots store in Portland, Oregon. (Photo) Utah families struggling with their grocery bill will have a little extra relief this summer, with the 'SUN Bucks' program looking to fill the void left by free school meals. Once the school year ends, families will be able to get an extra $120 per eligible school-age child to buy groceries. Sometimes called Summer EBT, the program is available for families that already receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. Families on Medicaid or whose children already qualify for free or reduced school meals are also eligible. 'SUN Bucks is a federal program to help combat childhood hunger,' said Muris Prses, director of eligibility at the state's Department of Workforce Services, in a statement. 'This is a great way for families to stretch their grocery budget during the summer.' According to the Utah Food Bank, at least 1 in 8 Utahns, and 1 in 6 children, are food insecure, meaning they lack consistent access to enough food to live a safe and active life. That adds up to about 415,000 people in Utah who aren't sure where their next meal will come from. Despite opt-outs by GOP states, debut of kids' summer food program seen as a success Utah was among 13 states with Republican governors that opted out of the federal program last summer, opposing what they called 'welfare' and signaling unwillingness to cover administrative costs. Even with some states choosing not to participate, the program was hailed as a success despite some challenges in its first year. The Utah Legislature this year passed HB100 requiring that the state join Summer EBT, while also granting free school lunch to any students who qualify for reduced-price meals. Summer EBT is expected to support an estimated 260,000 Utah children. According to data from Feeding America, San Juan County has some of the highest rates among young people, with about 26% of children there experiencing food insecurity — neighboring Garfield County is not far behind, at about 25%. With the SUN Bucks program, these families can buy foods like meat, fruit, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products at places that accept SNAP benefits, like grocery stores and farmers markets. The state's 'Double Up Food Bucks' program allows these benefits to earn an extra $2 for every $1 spent on fresh produce. Eligible children will be automatically enrolled in the program, according to the state — families whose children attend a school where students already receive a free lunch can apply at the state's website. SUN meals is a similar program offering free meals and snacks for school-age children, offering a to-go option for pickup or delivery in rural areas. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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@ 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
