The launch of the SUN Bucks program across the United States has been a significant step towards reducing food insecurity across the country, and the state of Pennsylvania, during the summer months, needs such supports for school-aged students.
This benefit not only supports child nutrition, but also relieves the economic burden of families, and manages to ensure that children can enjoy adequate nutrition and continue their healthy development even when schools are closed.
In a remarkable effort to ensure that Pennsylvania’s children have access to nutritious foods during the summer, Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Department of Human Services (DHS), and Dr. Khalid N. Moomin, Secretary of the Department of Education, have decided to join the initiative that promises to make a difference. This is the SUN Bucks program, whose applications are now open and will allow families to receive a unique seasonal benefit for the purchase of healthy foods.
What Is the SUN Bucks Program and When Is It Distributed?
The SUN Bucks program is a federal initiative that provides a benefit similar to the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) but is distributed specifically in the summer months. At this time of the year, children do not have access to school meals.
This year, Pennsylvania has decided to participate in this new national summer electronic benefit transfer program, known as SUN Bucks or Summer EBT.
Summer EBT Program — SUN Bucks Will Give You $120 Extra
Households that enroll will receive a one-time payment of $120 for each eligible child for food purchases during the summer. These benefits will start to be issued in mid-August and all payments are expected to be made before the end of October.
The program is designed to help families fill the food gap that occurs when schools close and free or reduced-price meals are not available.
Most children will be automatically eligible to receive SUN Bucks, without the need to submit an application. This includes those who already participate in programs such as SNAP benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid with incomes that qualify for the National School Breakfast or Lunch Program (NSLP). Families who already have an EBT card will see their benefits added automatically, while those without a card will receive a new one in the mail.
For families whose children do not automatically qualify, there is the option to submit a paper application. These applications can be mailed or dropped off at a local County Assistance Office. The SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator is a tool available for families to determine if they need to submit an application.
Those who wish to register or obtain more information, can enter the official website of the program: https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs/resources/summer-ebt.html.
Applications are open until August 31st, and interested families should verify their eligibility as soon as possible so as not to miss this opportunity.