In the summer of 2024, hundreds of thousands of Indiana families who are eligible for food assistance and reduced-cost school meals received a monthly stipend of $120 per child to help cover food expenses while schools were closed. However, this support may not continue as Indiana has announced it will not participate in the federal SUN Bucks program in 2025. This decision has raised concerns among advocates like Kate Howe, executive director of the Indy Hunger Network, who view the withdrawal as a step backward in addressing food insecurity during the summer months.

Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the SUN Bucks initiative aims to bridge the nutritional gap experienced by students when school is out. The program allows funds to be distributed via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, offering flexibility to families with specific dietary needs or allergies. In 2024, nearly 670,000 children benefited from the program, which provided them access to essential nutrition that might otherwise be unavailable.

Indiana’s decision contrasts sharply with other states that have chosen to maintain participation. While thirteen states opted out in 2025, many had not participated previously. Indiana, however, withdrew after one year of involvement. According to correspondence from the Family and Social Services Administration, housed on the Department of Education’s website, Indiana notified federal authorities of its decision on February 20, 2025. Despite this move, the state left open the possibility of rejoining in future years.

Although SUN Bucks will not be available in 2025, low-income students can still access free summer meals at approximately 1,000 locations across the state. These include schools and community organizations participating in the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program. Families seeking meal sites can use the USDA’s Site Finder Map or call the Hunger Hotline for assistance.

The discontinuation of SUN Bucks raises questions about accessibility and equity in food distribution. Traditional programs often require children to physically attend meal sites, which can pose challenges for families in rural areas where options may be limited. For instance, some counties may only host one meal site, making it difficult for children to reach these locations without transportation. Additionally, safety concerns and work schedules can further complicate access for certain families.

Advocates argue that the financial assistance provided by SUN Bucks offers crucial flexibility, particularly for households managing allergies or special diets. As grocery costs continue to rise, the absence of such aid may exacerbate existing hardships faced by vulnerable families. Despite alternative meal programs, the loss of direct financial support represents a significant setback in efforts to combat hunger during the summer months.

While Indiana continues to offer traditional meal programs through local schools and community centers, the removal of SUN Bucks highlights an ongoing struggle to balance budgetary constraints with nutritional needs. Advocates remain hopeful that future reconsideration of the program could restore vital support for countless Hoosier families navigating economic uncertainty.