The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a new program called SUN Bucks, aimed at easing the financial burden on families with school-aged children during the summer months. When school is out, many families struggle to cover the cost of meals that their children would normally receive through school programs. To address this issue, SUN Bucks offers a one-time payment to help these families afford nutritious food during the summer break.
What is the $120 Food Stamps Payment?
SUN Bucks provides eligible families with a one-time payment of $120 per child to help cover grocery costs during the summer when school meals are unavailable. This initiative is part of the USDA’s broader effort to ensure that children have access to healthy meals year-round, promoting their overall health and well-being even when school is out.
Who is Eligible for the SUN Bucks Payment?
The SUN Bucks program is especially critical for families who rely on school meal programs during the school year to provide their children with balanced and nutritious meals. With schools closed for the summer, these families might struggle to meet their children’s additional food needs. SUN Bucks aims to fill this gap and ensure that children do not go hungry during the summer.
The program is inclusive and is designed to help families already benefiting from various government assistance programs, including:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Additionally, families with children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) who meet the income criteria for free or reduced-price meals are also eligible for SUN Bucks.
How to Qualify for the SUN Bucks Payment
To qualify for the SUN Bucks payment, families must meet specific criteria:
- Current SNAP Recipients: Families who are currently receiving SNAP benefits will automatically receive SUN Bucks for each eligible child.
- Other Program Beneficiaries: Families participating in WIC, TANF, or FDPIR may also qualify for SUN Bucks.
- School Meal Program Participants: Families with children enrolled in NSLP or SBP who meet the income requirements for free or reduced-price meals are eligible for SUN Bucks, even if they are not currently receiving SNAP benefits.
Details About the SUN Bucks Payment
- Payment Amount: Each eligible child will receive a one-time payment of $120 for the summer.
- How the Payment Works: The funds will be loaded onto the family’s existing SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. If the family does not have an EBT card, a new one will be issued.
- Expiration: The SUN Bucks must be used within 122 days of being issued. Unlike regular SNAP benefits, they do not roll over from month to month.
How to Apply for SUN Bucks
For families already enrolled in programs like SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR, as well as those whose children receive free or reduced-price school meals, enrollment in the SUN Bucks program is automatic. There is no need for these families to apply separately.
However, families who are not automatically enrolled but believe they meet the eligibility criteria can apply through the USDA’s website. The USDA’s SUN Bucks page provides detailed information on income requirements and application instructions.
Read More: The 75/15/10 Rule: A Simple Budgeting Method for Financial Stability!
Using SUN Bucks Alongside Other Programs
SUN Bucks is intended to complement existing food assistance programs, ensuring that children have continuous access to nutritious food during the summer. This benefit can be used in conjunction with other summer feeding programs, such as SUN Meals To-go or meals provided at local community sites.
Timeline for SUN Bucks Distribution
Distribution of SUN Bucks began on June 14th and will continue every two weeks through September as new eligible children are identified. Families are encouraged to keep their EBT cards secure and to visit the NCDHHS Card Skimmers and Stolen FNS Benefits webpage for tips on protecting their benefits.
As part of North Carolina’s broader Summer Nutrition Programs, SUN Bucks works in tandem with other resources, including free meals offered at schools and community sites. Families seeking more information about local meal sites and additional support can text FOOD to 304-304, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY, or visit summermeals4nckids.org.
Final Thoughts
The SUN Bucks program is a crucial resource for families with school-aged children, ensuring they have access to nutritious food during the summer months. Eligible families should check their eligibility and apply if necessary to take advantage of this important benefit. To stay informed on the latest updates and announcements, families are encouraged to follow USDA and NCDHHS social media pages and websites.
Read More: New York State Launches Summer EBT Program to Provide $120 Per Child for Food!
Key Takeaways
- The IRS or any official government sources do not confirm the rumors about an $8,700 stimulus check.
- Past stimulus payments were part of three major relief packages: the CARES Act, the CAA, and the ARPA.
- The current Child Tax Credit offers up to $2,000 per qualifying child, which provides ongoing financial assistance to families.
It’s always best to rely on official sources for information regarding financial assistance and stimulus payments. Be cautious of misleading information and verify details through reliable channels.
