New States Added to the SUN Bucks Program for 2025: As food insecurity continues to rise, particularly during the summer months when children are no longer receiving meals at school, the SUN Bucks Program is expanding to help more families in need. In 2025, several new states have joined this important initiative, which offers financial assistance to families with children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. This allows parents to ensure their children continue to have access to healthy, nutritious food during the summer break.
In this article, we’ll cover the states now included in the SUN Bucks Program for 2025, how to make the most of your EBT benefits, and useful tips on using SUN Bucks effectively. Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, or just looking for more information, you’ll find key insights here.
New States Added to the SUN Bucks Program for 2025
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| What is SUN Bucks? | A summer food assistance program that helps families with children afford nutritious meals during the summer. |
| Who qualifies? | Families with children receiving free or reduced-price school meals during the school year. |
| New States in 2025 | North Carolina, Pennsylvania, California, Maryland, Iowa, Colorado, and the District of Columbia. |
| Benefit Amount | Varies by state, typically between $40–$120 per child, depending on funding availability. |
| How to Use Benefits | Loaded onto EBT cards, usable at authorized grocery stores, farmers markets, and online. |
| Official Information | Visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service for more details. |
The 2025 expansion of the SUN Bucks Program brings vital support to families across the country, enabling more children to receive healthy meals when school is out. For the most up-to-date information on SUN Bucks eligibility and usage, be sure to visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
What Is the SUN Bucks Program?
The Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (SUN Bucks) Program provides food assistance to low-income families during the summer months when children lose access to school meals. The program helps fill this gap by offering EBT benefits that families can use to purchase nutritious food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers. This initiative plays a critical role in helping families avoid food insecurity while school is out.
Which States Are Participating in 2025?
The SUN Bucks Program continues to grow, with more states coming on board in 2025 to help more families meet their summer food needs. Here’s a breakdown of the new states participating in the program this year:
- North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper has confirmed North Carolina’s involvement in SUN Bucks, providing assistance to over a million children across the state. The benefits will be loaded directly onto existing EBT cards. - Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, eligible families will receive $120 per child, which can be used to purchase fresh produce, dairy, and other essential food items for the summer. - California
California’s Department of Education is participating, with a focus on underserved rural and urban areas, ensuring that all families in the state can access this vital support. - Maryland
Maryland’s SUN Bucks program provides monthly installments of $40 per child, focusing on encouraging the consumption of fresh, locally sourced produce. - Colorado
Colorado is combining SUN Bucks with a Produce Bonus Program to incentivize families to purchase fresh produce, benefiting both families and local farmers. - Iowa
Iowa has worked with federal agencies to ensure SUN Bucks reaches families across both urban and rural areas of the state. - District of Columbia
The District of Columbia will offer SUN Bucks in 2025, extending eligibility to thousands of families in need of summer food assistance.
Eligibility for SUN Bucks
Families who are already enrolled in free or reduced-price school meal programs or SNAP benefits automatically qualify for the SUN Bucks program. There’s no need for additional applications for these families.
To confirm eligibility:
- Visit your state’s SNAP or EBT portal.
- Check for updates from your child’s school or the state Department of Human Services, which will notify families about the benefits.
Common Eligibility Questions:
- Do all school-aged children qualify?
Only children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals are eligible for SUN Bucks. - What if I recently moved?
Families who have moved should contact their new state’s Department of Human Services to update their benefits.
How to Use Your SUN Bucks Benefits
SUN Bucks funds are loaded onto EBT cards, which can be used for a variety of food items. Here’s where you can use the benefits:
- Grocery Stores like Walmart, Kroger, and local retailers.
- Farmers Markets that accept EBT, allowing families to buy fresh, locally grown produce.
- Online Retailers such as Amazon and Walmart (in certain states), making it more convenient to shop for groceries.
What Can You Buy with SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks can be used to purchase a variety of nutritious foods, including:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Meats, poultry, and fish
- Grains such as bread, cereals, and pasta
- Snack foods (within nutrition guidelines) and beverages
- Seeds and plants for growing your own food
Items such as non-food products, alcohol, tobacco, or hot deli foods are not eligible for purchase.
Tips to Maximize Your SUN Bucks Benefits
To make the most of your SUN Bucks, try these strategies:
- Prioritize Nutrient-Rich Foods: Look for healthy, balanced options like whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Buy in Bulk and Freeze Leftovers: Bulk purchases of staples like rice, pasta, and frozen veggies can help stretch your budget. Freezing leftovers will also reduce waste.
- Shop at Farmers Markets: Many farmers markets accept EBT and offer discounts for SNAP users, allowing you to buy fresh produce directly from local growers.
- Look for Additional Discounts or Match Programs: Some markets offer extra value when you use EBT to buy fresh produce, giving you more for your money.
Real Stories: How Families Benefit from SUN Bucks
Here are two examples of how families have benefited from the SUN Bucks Program:
Anna’s Story (California):
As a single mother of two, Anna used her SUN Bucks benefits last summer to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables. “SUN Bucks made a huge difference. I didn’t have to choose between paying bills and feeding my kids nutritious food,” she says.
John’s Story (Pennsylvania):
John, a father of three, used his SUN Bucks at the local farmers market. “The kids loved picking out their own veggies. It was a great experience, and the program really helped us eat healthier,” he shares.
Frequently Asked Questions about SUN Bucks
- Who qualifies for SUN Bucks?
Families with children who receive free or reduced-price school meals automatically qualify. - How much will I get?
Benefit amounts vary by state, typically ranging from $40 to $120 per child. - Can I use SUN Bucks online?
Yes, many states allow EBT cards to be used for online shopping with retailers like Amazon and Walmart. - What can I NOT buy with SUN Bucks?
Non-food items, alcohol, tobacco, and hot prepared foods cannot be purchased with SUN Bucks. - When will benefits be available?
Benefits are typically loaded onto EBT cards in late spring or early summer.
Why the SUN Bucks Program Matters
The SUN Bucks Program plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity during the summer months. With more states joining in 2025, even more families will be able to access nutritious meals, helping ensure that no child goes hungry while school is out. Beyond providing support for individual families, the program also benefits local economies and encourages healthier eating habits across the nation.