How to Get SUN Bucks for Food Assistance in California

In June 2025, California will introduce the SUN Bucks program This pioneering effort seeks to assist more than four million children throughout the state. Led by Governor Gavin Newsom, this program offers qualifying kids a $120 Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to secure their access to food during summertime. It aims to address the shortfall caused by the lack of free school lunches from June through August, a time when numerous households face financial difficulties.

The SUN Bucks program will be implemented statewide, reflecting a commitment to addressing food insecurity among children. Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of this effort, stating, "This program is an investment in our children and their health." By providing this support, the state aims to alleviate the economic challenges faced by thousands of households during the summer break, reinforcing its dedication to child welfare through comprehensive social policies.

Most beneficiaries of the SUN Bucks program will be automatically registered. This encompasses children participating in initiatives like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, or Head Start, along with those in foster care or facing homelessness. Families whose children aren’t eligible through automatic registration can still apply; they need to turn in their school application by September 1, 2025, to receive this crucial assistance.

After receiving the EBT card, families will have up to 122 days to use the allocated funds specifically designated for buying food items. Notably, this support does not affect other state benefits such as CalFresh, enabling households to optimize their available resources. During its initial stage in 2024, the program effectively disbursed more than $500 million in food aid, establishing a solid foundation for the comprehensive rollout planned next.

The introduction of the SUN Bucks program This represents a crucial advancement in California’s continuous endeavors to aid its most at-risk communities. By guaranteeing that kids can obtain healthy meals throughout the summertime, the state isn’t just tackling present issues; it’s also putting money into the enduring physical fitness and prosperity of its upcoming citizens. As part of an extensive plan aimed at boosting societal benefits and lessening financial inequalities statewide, this program marks a significant move forward.

As the initiative progresses, families should verify their qualification and undertake the required actions to obtain this essential assistance. SUN Bucks program serves as a vital support system for numerous individuals, highlighting the state’s dedication to building a more healthy and fair tomorrow for every resident. Through this program, California remains at the forefront of progressive social policies, establishing a standard that other states can aspire to emulate.