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A new summer food program for kids is launching in Summer 2024!
A new summer program for kids is launching in Summer 2024!
SUN Bucks is a new food program that will give families $120 per eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. Children who get SUN Bucks can also participate in Summer Meals programs. Learn more by reading this flyer or the information below.
Can my child get SUN Bucks?
Children who were approved for free or reduced-price school meals or your family participated in any of these public assistance programs: AHCCCS, SNAP, or TANF from June 30, 2023–July 1, 2024. Children ages 6-16 years old and are unhoused, foster, runaway, or migrant student will receive SUN Bucks automatically.
SUN Bucks will be mailed to the address on file with your school. Please make sure it is up to date!
IMPORTANT: Do not discard the letter that comes with your card. It contains your case number, which will be needed to set up your card's PIN!
Your child may be eligible, consider applying for SUN Bucks if:
They attend a school that operates the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Programs, and They have not already submitted a free or reduced-price meal application or alternate income form with their child's school.
If you think your child is eligible based on your household income, visit the Arizona Department of Education application or call 833-648-4406 to find out if you should submit an application.
SUN Bucks does NOT affect a family’s immigration status.
How does SUN Bucks work?
- Families that participate in SNAP or TANF will receive funds directly to their existing household’s Arizona EBT card.
- If you do not have an Arizona EBT card, one will be mailed to you with your SUN Bucks benefits pre-loaded onto the card. The card works like a debit card.
- If you have more than one eligible child, you will only get one card per household. For example, if you have 2 eligible kids, you will get one card with $240 total. SUN Bucks must be used within 122 days of the date when benefits are loaded onto the card. Unused benefits will be removed on day 123.
- AHCCCS: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, also known as medical assistance, income must be under 185% of the federal poverty line to be eligible for SUN Bucks.
- SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps).
- TANF: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (cash assistance).
- FDPIR: Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
What is SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks (or Summer EBT) is a $120 grocery-buying benefit for low-income families with school-aged children when schools are closed for the summer.
Who is eligible?
Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals from June 30, 2023 to July 1, 2024 are eligible for SUN Bucks. Students can qualify by:
- An approved school meal application.
- Participated in SNAP or TANF.
- Participated in AHCCCS and are certified at or under 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. Children ages 6-16 who are an unhoused, foster, runaway, or migrant students. .
What if I received free school meals, but don‘t meet any of those categories?
You may be eligible for SUN Bucks if your child attends a CEP, Provision 2, and Provision 3 school (view list here), you can apply at https://www.azed.gov/SUNBucks.
What is an NSLP/SBP School?
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP) are federally assisted meal programs, which traditional public schools and certain charter schools operate.
Where can I use SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks is accepted anywhere SNAP is accepted (excluding prepared food), including grocery stores, corner stores, farmers’ markets, and online retailers. See more: Arizona Department of Economic Security | Nutrition Assistance.
Will receiving SUN Bucks impact my immigration status?
NO! Receiving or using SUN Bucks does NOT impact your immigration status or your child's.
Will I be able to receive SUN Bucks and participate in Summer Meals?
Yes! Participating in SUN Bucks does not impact your ability to participate in the Summer Meals program as well. We encourage families to utilize both programs, if they are eligible.
How does SUN Bucks work?
- Families that participate in SNAP or TANF will receive funds directly to their existing household’s Arizona EBT card.
- If you do not have an Arizona EBT card, one will be mailed to you with your SUN Bucks benefits pre-loaded onto the card. The card works like a debit card.
- If you have more than one eligible child, you will only get one card per household. For example, if you have 2 eligible kids, you will get one card with $240 total.
SUN Bucks must be used within 122 days of the date when benefits are loaded onto the card. Unused benefits will be removed on day 123.
IMPORTANT: Do not discard the letter that comes with your card. It contains your case number, which will be needed to set up your card's PIN!
Glossary of Terminology
Streamline Certification Process: Some students will receive SUN Bucks automatically, with zero action required by the family.
EBT: Electronic Benefits Transfer.
CEP: Community Eligibility Provision, a non-pricing meal service option for school districts.
NSLP/SBP: National School Lunch Program/ School Breakfast Program, federally assisted meal programs. AHCCCS: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, also known as medical assistance, income must be under 185% of the federal poverty line to be eligible for SUN Bucks.
FDPIR: Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, federal program that provides food to families in need living on reservations.
SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, federal funds that help support families in need purchase groceries or food benefits for low-income families to supplement their grocery budget.
TANF: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, cash assistance for families in need
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Your child may be eligible if your family’s annual gross income* is LESS THAN:
| Family Income* | Family Size |
|---|---|
| $36,482 | 2 Children |
| $45,991 | 3 Children |
| $55,500 | 4 Children |
| $65,509 | 5 Children |
*For 2023-24 School Year
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