What to Know About SUN Bucks, the New Summer EBT Program

Published On: May 6th, 2024By Categories: Resources1.9 min read

Summer EBT, known in California as “SUN Bucks,” is a new food program to help families with school-age children buy groceries during the summer. SUN Bucks will give families $40 per month for each eligible child for June, July, and August 2024 ($120 total). According to the USDA, more than 30 million children across America could benefit from Summer EBT.

How to Know If You’re Eligible for Summer EBT

Children will automatically receive SUN Bucks if:

  • Their family received CalFresh, CalWORKS, or Medi-Cal during the 2023-2024 school year.
  • They qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
  • They are living in foster care.
  • They are experiencing homelessness.
  • They are part of a migrant family.
  • They attend Head Start.

If your child meets any of these requirements, make sure your mailing address is up-to-date with the county so your SUN bucks go to the right place. You can update your address online at BenefitsCal or visit or call your local office.

If your child doesn’t meet one of the requirements for automatic enrollment, they may still be eligible. To check, ask your child’s school for a school meal application or an Alternative Income Form. When you return the form to the school, they will evaluate it and determine if your children are eligible for SUN Bucks.

Two kids laughing while eating a snack

How SUN Bucks Work

Most children who qualify for Summer EBT will be automatically enrolled. Once enrolled, an S-EBT card with your SUN Bucks will be mailed to you. You will get one SUN Bucks card for each eligible child.

S-EBT cards work like debit cards. You can use SUN Bucks at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other stores that accept CalFresh benefits.

You’ll need to use your SUN Bucks within 122 days of the date when the benefits are loaded onto the card.

Get Support During the Summer Months

At Feeding San Diego, we know how difficult summer can be for families that rely on school meals. The Summer EBT program offers a new way to bridge the gap until school reopens. You can also find other food resources on our Find Food map.

Information on SUN Bucks in other languages is available from the California Association of Food Banks.