Summer can be an expensive time for many families, especially with kids home from school and grocery bills going up. But here’s some good news: if you live in California, you may be able to get up to $120 in extra food assistance per child this summer through a program called Sun Bucks.
Let me explain how it works, who qualifies, and how you can apply.
What are Sun Bucks?
Sun Bucks is California’s name for a federal program known as Summer EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer). The goal is simple: make sure children who normally get free or reduced-price meals at school still have access to nutritious food during the summer break.
Each eligible student will get $40 per month loaded onto a special debit card during the summer months of June, July, and August. That adds up to a total of $120 per child.
You can use the card at grocery stores, farmers markets, and even online at Amazon and Walmart to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, dairy, and other healthy items.
Who can get Sun Bucks?
Here’s the big question: Do you qualify?
To be eligible for Sun Bucks in California this summer, your child must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- They qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program.
- They already receive CalFresh (California’s SNAP program) or Medi-Cal benefits.
That means if you’re already getting help with food or health care through the state, your child might already qualify.
But there’s a new twist this year.
What’s different in 2025?
Last summer, some school districts automatically enrolled students in Sun Bucks because every student received free meals, regardless of income. This made things easy for families.
However, in Summer 2025, that’s changing.
This time, families must apply individually to see if their child qualifies, even if they go to a school where every student gets free meals. For example, in the Alum Rock School District, families now need to go through a verification process.
Denisse Méndez, the district’s Nutrition Department Director, explained that this extra step is important but can be challenging for families. “It’s often difficult for our families and students to receive this food support, so it’s about access,” she said.
Schools and districts are expected to share more information soon about where and how to apply. So, keep an eye out for updates from your child’s school.
How will the cards be sent?
If your child is approved, here’s what happens next:
- You’ll receive one debit card per student by mail.
- Cards will be sent alphabetically by the student’s last name, starting mid-June.
- Once you get the card, you can use it right away at most supermarkets and even farmers’ markets.
- You can also shop online at Amazon and Walmart for approved grocery items.
And here’s another piece of good news: this benefit does not count as a “public charge.” That means receiving Sun Bucks will not affect your immigration status or your ability to apply for a green card in the future.
Why it matters
For many families, this extra support couldn’t come at a better time. Prices are still high, and when school meals pause over the summer, that food budget can get stretched thin.
“It’s a huge help, especially now that the kids are going to be on vacation,” said Natividad López, a California mother. Another mom, Eva Cornejo, added, “Right now, everything is expensive, and any help with food for the children is very helpful.”
Final thoughts
If you have school-age children and meet the income or benefits guidelines, Sun Bucks can put a little breathing room in your summer grocery budget. Check with your school district about how to apply, and watch your mailbox in June.
Even $40 a month can make a big difference when kids are eating every meal at home. And if you’re already enrolled in CalFresh or Medi-Cal, you might be just a few steps away from getting that help.
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