Summer EBT (now called SUN Bucks) and the Summer Meals Program (now called SUN Meals) are two separate federal programs that help feed children when school is out. SUN Bucks gives eligible families $120 per child loaded onto an EBT card to buy groceries, while SUN Meals provides free meals at community locations like schools and parks to any child 18 and under with no application required. Families can use both programs at the same time.
What Is Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)?
Summer EBT, officially renamed SUN Bucks by the USDA, is a grocery benefit program that provides $120 per eligible school-age child during the summer months. The benefit is loaded onto an EBT card that families can use at authorized grocery stores, farmers markets, and online retailers to purchase food.
SUN Bucks was created by the 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act and became a permanent nationwide program starting in summer 2024. It replaced earlier Summer EBT pilot programs that had been tested in select states.
What Can You Buy with SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks can be used to purchase:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
SUN Bucks cannot be used for hot prepared foods, pet food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, or medicine. The purchasing rules are similar to SNAP benefits.
What Is the Summer Meals Program (SUN Meals)?
The Summer Meals Program, now branded as SUN Meals, is a federally funded program that serves free meals and snacks to children at community locations during the summer. Meals are served at schools, parks, libraries, community centers, churches, and other approved sites.
Key facts about SUN Meals:
- Available to any child aged 18 and under
- No application, registration, or ID required
- No income verification needed
- Children do not need to be enrolled in any school or program
- Meals must be eaten on-site at most locations (some rural areas offer SUN Meals To-Go for pickup or delivery)
Parents can find nearby meal sites using the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder.
How Do Summer EBT and Summer Meals Compare?
The following table breaks down the key differences between SUN Bucks and SUN Meals:
| Feature | SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) | SUN Meals (Summer Meals Program) |
|---|---|---|
| Benefit type | $120 per child loaded on EBT card | Free meals served at community sites |
| Who qualifies | School-age children meeting income limits or enrolled in SNAP/TANF/FDPIR | Any child aged 18 and under |
| Income requirement | Yes, up to 185% of federal poverty level | None |
| Application needed | Many children auto-enrolled; others must apply | No application needed |
| Where to use | Grocery stores, farmers markets, online retailers | Schools, parks, libraries, community centers |
| Food choice | Family chooses groceries | Pre-prepared meals served on-site |
| Can use both? | Yes | Yes |
| Availability | Most states, tribes, and territories (check your state) | Nationwide at approved sites |
Who Is Eligible for Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)?
Children are eligible for SUN Bucks if they meet one of these criteria:
- Automatic enrollment: The child's household already receives SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR benefits
- Automatic enrollment: The child is certified for free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
- Application-based: The child's household income falls within the income eligibility guidelines (at or below 185% of the federal poverty level)
Income Limits for Summer EBT (2025-2026)
The following table shows the annual household income limits for Summer EBT eligibility. These are the same income guidelines used for free and reduced-price school meals. Free meal eligibility is set at 130% of the federal poverty level, and reduced-price eligibility (which also qualifies for SUN Bucks) is set at 185% of FPL.
| Household Size | Free Meals (130% FPL) | Reduced-Price Meals / SUN Bucks (185% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Approximately $21,500 to $22,000 | Approximately $30,600 to $31,100 |
| 2 | Approximately $29,100 to $29,700 | Approximately $41,400 to $42,300 |
| 3 | Approximately $36,600 to $37,600 | Approximately $52,100 to $53,500 |
| 4 | Approximately $44,100 to $45,500 | Approximately $62,800 to $64,800 |
| 5 | Approximately $51,600 to $53,400 | Approximately $73,500 to $76,000 |
| 6 | Approximately $59,100 to $61,300 | Approximately $84,200 to $87,200 |
| 7 | Approximately $66,700 to $69,200 | Approximately $94,900 to $98,400 |
| 8 | Approximately $74,200 to $77,100 | Approximately $105,600 to $109,700 |
Income limits are updated annually. The ranges above reflect recent program years for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. For exact current amounts, check the USDA Income Eligibility Guidelines or contact your state agency.
How to Apply for Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)
Many children are automatically enrolled and do not need to apply. Here is how the process works:
Step 1: Check If Your Child Is Automatically Enrolled
Your child is likely auto-enrolled if your household:
- Receives SNAP (food stamps) benefits
- Receives TANF (cash assistance) benefits
- Receives FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) benefits
- Has a child certified for free or reduced-price school meals
If your child is auto-enrolled, benefits will typically be added to your existing SNAP EBT card or mailed as a new EBT card, depending on your state.
Step 2: Apply If Not Automatically Enrolled
If your child is not auto-enrolled but your household income falls within the eligibility limits, you can apply directly through your state, tribal, or territory agency. Visit the USDA SUN Bucks page and select your state on the map to find your local application process.
When applying, you will typically need to provide:
- Child's name and date of birth
- School the child attends
- Home address
- Household income information
Step 3: Receive and Use Your Benefits
Once enrolled, your SUN Bucks benefit of $120 per child will be issued in one of these ways:
- Added to your existing SNAP EBT card
- Sent as a separate EBT card by mail
- Other delivery methods depending on your state
Use the SNAP Retailer Locator to find stores that accept EBT near you.
Step 4: Check Your Eligibility for Other Programs
Summer food programs are just one type of benefit your family may qualify for. Use our free benefits screener to check eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, LIHEAP, and other assistance programs in minutes.
How to Find Free Summer Meals (SUN Meals)
Finding free summer meals near you is simple:
- Visit the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder at fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
- Enter your address or ZIP code to see nearby meal sites
- Check site details for hours, days of operation, and meal types served
- Show up with your child. No sign-up, ID, or paperwork needed
You can also call 211 (or text your ZIP code to 914-342-7744) to find meal sites by phone.
In some rural areas, SUN Meals To-Go allows families to pick up or receive delivered meals. Contact your state agency to see if this option is available near you.
Can You Get Both Summer EBT and Summer Meals?
Yes. Families can absolutely use both SUN Bucks and SUN Meals at the same time. These are separate programs with separate funding, and using one does not affect eligibility for the other.
For example, a family could:
- Send their children to a local park for a free SUN Meals lunch
- Use their $120 SUN Bucks EBT benefit to purchase groceries for breakfast, dinner, and snacks at home
Using both programs together helps families stretch their food budget further during the summer months when school meals are not available.
Is Summer EBT Available in My State?
Most states participate in SUN Bucks, but not all. The USDA maintains an updated map of participating states, tribes, and territories on the SUN Bucks page. As of 2025, the majority of U.S. states have approved plans to operate the program. Some states are still finalizing participation for 2026.
If SUN Bucks is not available where you live, your children can still access free SUN Meals at community sites near you.
What Happens to Summer EBT Benefits If Not Used?
SUN Bucks benefits typically remain available for a set period after they are issued. The exact expiration timeline varies by state. Most states allow benefits to be used for at least 122 days (approximately four months) after issuance. Check with your state agency for specific deadlines.
Unused benefits will expire and cannot be rolled over to the next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for Summer EBT if my child gets free lunch at school?
In most cases, no. Children who are certified for free or reduced-price school meals are typically auto-enrolled in SUN Bucks. However, some states may require families to verify their information. Check with your state agency to confirm.
Can teenagers get Summer EBT?
Yes. SUN Bucks is available to school-age children, which generally includes children through age 18 who are enrolled in school. For SUN Meals, any child aged 18 and under can eat at a meal site regardless of school enrollment.
What is the difference between Summer EBT and SNAP?
SNAP provides monthly food benefits year-round based on household income and size. Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) is a separate, one-time summer benefit of $120 per child designed specifically to replace school meals during summer break. Families can receive both SNAP and SUN Bucks.
Are Summer Meals available on weekends?
It depends on the site. Many SUN Meals locations operate Monday through Friday, but some sites serve meals on weekends as well. Check the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder for specific hours at sites near you.
How much is Summer EBT worth per child?
The SUN Bucks benefit is $120 per eligible child for the summer. This amount is set by federal law and is the same across all participating states.
Can undocumented families access these programs?
SUN Meals are available to all children aged 18 and under regardless of immigration status, with no ID or documentation required. SUN Bucks eligibility may vary, and families should check their state's specific requirements. Using these nutrition programs does not affect immigration proceedings under current USDA guidance.
Where can I check if my family qualifies for other benefits?
Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, LIHEAP, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and other federal and state assistance programs. The screening takes just a few minutes and covers programs in all 50 states.
