In 2025, the SUN Bucks food initiative returns to provide crucial support for over a million school children across North Carolina during the summer. Administered jointly by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), this program offers financial assistance through electronic benefits transfer. The goal is to ensure that children receive proper nutrition when schools are closed for the summer.
This program is part of a broader effort including other initiatives under the NC Summer Nutrition Programs. It aims to combat food insecurity among young people by providing families with resources to purchase healthy foods. Automatic enrollment and eligibility criteria ensure that those most in need benefit from the program, while additional pathways exist for those who must apply manually.
Program Overview and Key Benefits
The SUN Bucks initiative provides eligible families with a one-time payment of $120 per child via a card resembling a debit card. This card can be used at participating retailers and farmers markets accepting EBT. Families receiving notifications about their child's qualification should not ignore these messages, as they confirm automatic enrollment. Most beneficiaries qualify based on existing participation in various state or federal assistance programs.
This financial aid complements other USDA summer nutrition efforts designed to keep children well-nourished outside the academic year. By leveraging an electronic platform, SUN Bucks facilitates easy access to essential groceries for families facing economic challenges. The program's structure ensures broad coverage, reaching nearly 1.1 million students in its inaugural year, injecting approximately $130 million into local economies through grocery purchases. Through collaboration with schools and government agencies, the program identifies and supports children requiring nutritional assistance seamlessly.
Eligibility Criteria and Additional Resources
Families interested in learning more about their eligibility can explore official resources online or contact dedicated helplines for guidance. Eligibility extends to children enrolled in specific educational programs or benefiting from other forms of public assistance. For those not automatically included, applications remain open to ensure no child goes without necessary sustenance during summer months.
Beyond SUN Bucks, complementary programs such as SUN Meals offer free meals at designated locations throughout the state. These initiatives work hand-in-hand with other nutrition-focused schemes like WIC to create a comprehensive safety net ensuring all children have access to nutritious food regardless of socioeconomic status. NCDHHS and NCDPI emphasize the importance of nutrition security year-round, particularly emphasizing summer periods when traditional school-based meal services are unavailable. Together, these programs aim to mitigate hunger and promote overall health among North Carolina’s youth population.