What you need to know: So far this summer, California has provided over 3.2 million low-income children with free meals through the SUN Bucks program, resulting in more than $162 million in food purchases. Over a dozen Republican-led states have refused to take part in this free federal food program.
July 19, 2024 - Sacramento, California – On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that through SUN Bucks, a new federal 
food program, more than 3,240,000 low-income children and their families have received food assistance during summer break. More than $162 million in food purchases have already been made by families across the state, and over five million total cards are expected to be distributed across California in the coming months, keeping kids fed and supporting local economies. These impressive milestones come as 13 Republican-led states, often claiming to support families, continue to refuse to fund these programs that will help their local children.
“In California, we will never stand by and let our kids go hungry just because school is out of session. I’m thrilled to see so many families being fed by the SUN Bucks program – and furious that over a dozen Republican governors are denying that same assistance to the low-income children in their states. I’m proud that California is partnering with the Biden-Harris Administration to provide SUN Bucks for our families so that no child faces hunger during the summer months.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
“Through California’s SUN Bucks, we’re working to ensure summer break entails adventure, growth AND nourishment for all California children. In partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration, we’re addressing food insecurity and ensuring families have the necessary resources to continue to feed their children while school is on hiatus. This is in stark contrast to the Republican-led states that have made the bewildering decision to refuse these federal dollars that benefit the families who call their states home.”
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom
How SUN Bucks works
Most families did not and will not need to take action to receive SUN Bucks. Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through a school meal application or an alternative income form, or who receive CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal, were automatically enrolled. Eligible families are receiving SUN Bucks electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used just like CalFresh benefits to purchase groceries. SUN Bucks is providing $120 per child, which is equivalent to $40 per month for the three months schools are typically closed during the summer.
This new program was implemented by the Calfornia Department of Social Services (CDSS) in partnership with the California Department of Education (CDE). In addition to SUN Bucks, Summer Meal Programs provide opportunities for children in need to access meals during the summer. Families can locate summer meal sites in their communities using the CA Meals for Kids App or by visiting the Summer Meal Service Sites webpage.
About the SUN Bucks program
In December 2022, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which created a new, permanent Summer EBT program for states to provide food benefits to families with school-age children and low-income beginning in 2024. The Summer EBT program is known as SUN Bucks. In July 2023, California passed Assembly Bill 120, establishing the CDSS as the lead implementing agency, in partnership with the CDE, to maximize Summer EBT program participation for summer 2024.
SUN Bucks is being rolled-out in many parts of the country. To learn more about SUN Bucks implementation in California, access these videos: English, Spanish.
Additional details
Children not automatically enrolled must apply for free or reduced-price school meals by completing and submitting a school meal application or alternative income form by August 31, 2024, or they will not receive SUN Bucks benefits for summer 2024. Families may obtain the free or reduced-price school meal application from their school or school administrator’s office.
The SUN Bucks helpline is available at (877) 328-9677 to support cardholders who have questions about their specific SUN Bucks card. The helpline provides automated support 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Live agents are available Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. People with general SUN Bucks questions are encouraged to visit the CDSS website for information. Receiving SUN Bucks will have no bearing on eligibility for CalFresh or any other state public benefit program. Additionally, it is not part of federal public charge determinations. More information about public charge is available on the CDSS website.
Regardless of when a card is mailed or received, every SUN Bucks card will be loaded with the full $120 per child. Per federal rules, funds must be used within 122 days of the funds being loaded to the card. Any unused funds on the card will expire after 122 days. Expired benefits cannot be replaced.
Bigger picture
California has a long-standing commitment to fighting hunger. The CDSS supports delivery of CalFresh food benefits to families in need, Disaster CalFresh benefits for victims of natural disasters, emergency food resources to local communities, and other nutrition services to ensure the health and well-being of all Californians. The Department also recently supported the delivery of CalFresh Emergency Allotments to help meet nutrition needs during the pandemic.
Source: Office of the Governor
Related: State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Commends Launch of Federal “SUN Bucks” Meal Program to Expand Summer Access of Universal Meals for California’s Students
