When school is out for the summer, millions of children across the U.S. lose access to the free or reduced-price meals they rely on during the school year. Summer EBT - also known as SUN Bucks, is a federal initiative designed to help bridge that gap. By providing grocery benefits to families with school-age children, Summer EBT ensures that kids can continue to get the healthy food they need to thrive even when school is not in session.
In this handy guide, we're answering common questions, including:
- What is Summer EBT?
- What is a Summer EBT card?
- How do you get Summer EBT?
- How much does Summer EBT provide?
- What can you buy with SUN Bucks EBT?
Whether you're new to the program or looking for more information, here's everything you need to know about how it works, who qualifies and how to apply.
What Is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT (also referred to as SUN Bucks) is a federal grocery benefit program that states can choose to operate that enables income-eligible families to receive an extra $120 per child to spend on groceries during the summer. This benefit is issued through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card and can be used just like SNAP to purchase food at approved retailers.
For families wondering, "What is EBT?", Summer EBT is just one component of the federal nutrition program. Summer EBT is designed to work in addition to other programs like SNAP, WIC and the National School Lunch Program. It's part of a larger effort to ensure that kids have reliable access to nutrition year-round, especially during the summer months when food insecurity often increases.
How Does Summer EBT for Kids (SUN Bucks) Work?
Families who qualify receive $40 per child per month, which adds up to a total of $120 over the summer. Most states will distribute the full amount at once, although some may choose to issue the benefit in monthly installments.
Once enrolled, the funds are loaded onto a new or existing EBT card. Families can use this card at grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers' markets and online retailers that accept EBT. It works just like a debit card - simply swipe it at checkout to pay for eligible food items.
Summer EBT works alongside free summer meals programs like SUN Meals or SUN Meals-To-Go, which provide meals at local community sites or to-go options in rural areas. Using SUN Bucks doesn't affect your access to these meal services; you can use both to keep your kids healthy and full all summer long.
Who Qualifies for Summer EBT?
Your child is likely eligible for Summer EBT if:
- Your household already receives income-based benefits like SNAP, TANF or FDPIR.
- Your child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, and your household meets the income guidelines for free or reduced-price meals.
Many families will be automatically enrolled based on these criteria. But even if your child is not automatically enrolled, you may still qualify. In that case, you'll need to apply directly through your state, Tribe or territory's administering agency.
When Will Summer EBT Be Available?
The Summer EBT program officially launched in 2024. States, territories and Tribes choose which three months between May and September they will distribute benefits. In most places, the full $120 grocery benefit is sent all at once, but check your local program for specific timing.
When Will Summer EBT Be Deposited?
If your child qualifies and is automatically enrolled, you should see funds loaded onto your EBT or SNAP card by early summer 2024, often by June or July. For newly enrolled families or those applying mid-summer, deposits may come later but will still include the full $120 as long as enrollment is completed before the program ends.
To confirm your deposit, contact your local program or log in to your EBT account.
How Much is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT provides $40 per child per month, totaling $120 per eligible child for the summer months. This amount is meant to help cover grocery costs while school meals are unavailable. If you have more than one child, you'll receive a separate $120 benefit per child.
This benefit can be used alongside other resources, such as free community meal sites or SNAP, to help ensure your family has what it needs.
How to Apply for Summer EBT
In many cases, no application is needed. Children are automatically enrolled if they:
- Receive income-based benefits like SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid (in some states).
- Are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.
However, if your child does not meet these automatic enrollment criteria, you can still apply. Here's how:
- Visit your state's Summer EBT or SUN Bucks website (you can start on the USDA's site to find your state).
- Complete the application by the deadline (typically by June 30).
- Provide required information, including your child's name, date of birth, school, address and household income.
Applying early helps ensure you receive the full benefit amount.
Where Can I Use My Summer EBT Card?
You can use your Summer EBT card at any retailer that accepts EBT, including:
- Grocery stores and supermarkets
- Convenience stores
- Online retailers (like Amazon and Walmart)
- Local farmers' markets
Use the SNAP Retailer Locator on the USDA's website to find participating stores near you.
You can use Summer EBT to buy most groceries, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Non-alcoholic drinks and snack foods
You cannot use Summer EBT to purchase:
- Hot/prepared foods
- Pet food
- Cleaning products
- Toiletries or hygiene items
- Medicine
When Do Summer EBT Benefits End?
Summer EBT benefits are available only during the summer. While exact dates may vary by state, benefits are generally issued between May and September. Most families will receive their full benefit by mid-summer.
If your child becomes eligible later in the summer (for example, through a school meal application), you can still receive the full benefit as long as you're enrolled before the end of the program.
Once benefits are loaded onto your card, they don't expire immediately, but you should plan to use them before the next school year begins.
Help No Kid Hungry Advocates End Summer Hunger
Summer EBT is a powerful tool to combat childhood hunger, but it's only part of the solution. Through the No Kid Hungry campaign, we believe every child deserves consistent access to healthy food, no matter the season. Our team advocates for strong funding and policy support for summer meal programs like Summer EBT, SUN Meals, and more. We work with communities, schools and lawmakers to ensure that summer doesn't mean going hungry.
If your family needs help navigating food programs, No Kid Hungry can provide resources, assistance, and advocacy support.
Want to help? You can make a difference. Donate to No Kid Hungry or share this blog to spread awareness. Together, we can ensure that no child goes hungry this summer - or ever.
Image Credit: SeventyFour / Shutterstock
