To tackle child hunger this summer, the state of California has rolled out the SUN Bucks program, handing families $120 per eligible child to buy groceries. Dubbed Summer EBT, this new initiative is set to complement the meals often provided by schools during term time, ensuring kids stay nourished while on break. According to Riverside County, California, the program's start this June, will operate similarly to CalFresh but is tailored for the summer needs of school-aged children.
The California Department of Social Services and Department of Education are spearheading SUN Bucks, which anticipates automatic enrollment for about five million children who already qualify for existing food assistance or social services. Eligibility extends to children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, are enrolled in programs like CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal, or face circumstances including homelessness, foster care, or participation in migrant families. However, to receive SUN Bucks benefits for summer, kids not automatically enrolled must apply by Aug. 31, risking the chance to benefit from the program.
Families on CalFresh, CalWORKs, and Medi-Cal have been prompted by Riverside County officials to update their addresses to avoid delays in receiving their SUN Bucks cards. "We are thrilled that many of our customers will be eligible for this new program, providing nutritious food to families throughout the summer," Allison Gonzalez, Assistant Director of the Self-Sufficiency Division at DPSS said, as per Riverside County. Address changes can be done online at BenefitsCal.com, by phone, or in person.
