The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced an innovative initiative named SUN Bucks, designed to assist families with school-aged children during the summer months. Acknowledging the financial strain that families experience when school meals are unavailable, this program aims to provide additional support to cover grocery expenses.
Overview of the $120 Food Stamps Payment
SUN Bucks provides eligible families with a one-time payment of $120 per child to ease the cost of nutritious food during the summer break. This program is part of a broader USDA effort to ensure children continue to receive healthy meals when school is not in session, promoting their overall well-being and health.
SNAP $120 Payment Eligibility Criteria
The SUN Bucks program is particularly crucial for families who depend on school meal programs to supply balanced and nutritious meals throughout the academic year. With schools closed during summer, these families may face difficulties in affording the additional food needed for their children’s nutritional needs. By offering this financial assistance, SUN Bucks helps bridge the gap and ensures that children do not go hungry during the summer.
The program is inclusive, targeting families already receiving aid from various government programs, such as:
- 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.
Eligibility for SNAP $120 Payment
To qualify for SUN Bucks, families must meet the following criteria:
- Current SNAP Recipients: Families 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.
- School Meal Program Participants: Families with children in NSLP or SBP who meet the income requirements for free or reduced-price meals are eligible, even if they are not on SNAP.
SUN Bucks Payment Benefit Details
- Payment Amount: Each eligible child receives a one-time payment of $120 for the summer period.
- Usage: Funds will be loaded onto the household’s existing SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or a new EBT card if necessary.
- Expiration: SUN Bucks must be used within 122 days of issuance and do not roll over month-to-month like regular SNAP benefits.
Application Process for SUN Bucks $120 Payment
- Automatic Enrollment: Families currently enrolled in SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or whose children receive free or reduced-price school meals will be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks.
- Manual Application: Families not automatically enrolled but meeting eligibility criteria can apply through the USDA’s website. Detailed income requirements and application instructions are available on the USDA’s SUN Bucks page.
SUN Bucks is designed to complement existing food assistance programs, ensuring children have access to nutritious food throughout the summer. This benefit can be used alongside other summer feeding programs, such as SUN Meals To-go or local meal sites.
Distribution of SUN Bucks began on June 14th and will continue every two weeks through September as new eligible children are identified. Families are advised to safeguard their EBT cards and consult the NCDHHS Card Skimmers and Stolen FNS Benefits webpage for security tips.
Part of North Carolina’s broader Summer Nutrition Programs, SUN Bucks offers support alongside free meals at schools and community sites. For more information on local meal sites and additional support, families can text FOOD to 304-304, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY, or visit summermeals4nckids.org.
The SUN Bucks program is a vital resource for families with school-aged children, ensuring access to nutritious food during the summer months. Eligible families are encouraged to verify their eligibility and apply if needed to benefit from this important program. For the latest updates and announcements, families should follow USDA and NCDHHS social media pages and websites.