What is SUN Bucks? Understanding the Summer EBT Program for Kids

When school lets out for the summer, millions of children lose access to free school meals.

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, helps families bridge that gap by providing additional grocery benefits when school is out. The program gives eligible families money to buy food for their school-aged children during the summer, helping ensure that kids have the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow all year long.
 

SUN Bucks is a federal nutrition program designed to help families with school-aged children afford groceries during the summer months. It complements other summer nutrition programs like Summer Eats, which provides free meals for kids and teens.

Eligible families receive funds on a SUN Bucks card that can be used to purchase food at participating grocery stores, farmers' markets, and online shops.

Many children can receive SUN Bucks automatically based on their family’s participation in certain public benefit programs. Families whose children are automatically enrolled generally do not need to submit an application.

According to the DTA website: “If during the 2025-2026 school year your child/children got SNAP, DTA cash benefits, certain types of MassHealth coverage, SSI with a relative caregiver, or were in foster care, you do not need to apply.”

Understanding whether a child is automatically enrolled or needs an application can sometimes be confusing. Families may also face challenges with online applications, access to technology, or navigating the process on their own. That’s where additional support can make a difference.

Sabrina, SUN Bucks Assistant at Project Bread, helps families understand the program and complete their applications. “I help families apply over the phone when they don’t want to have to navigate the online application themselves. There’s a lot of grandparents who care for their grandchildren,” she said. “One family that I helped apply for was having trouble applying online. So I was able to get their application in with them over the phone so that their grandchildren can have access to the benefits.”

For families who need to apply, getting help can mean the difference between struggling with an unfamiliar process and successfully accessing food assistance for their children.
 

SUN Bucks can be used to purchase many of the same foods families can buy with SNAP. That includes everyday grocery staples such as fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, dairy products, breads and cereals, and other foods.

That flexibility allows families to choose foods that fit their household’s needs and preferences. SUN Bucks gives caregivers and children more purchasing power at the grocery store.

The benefit can also complement other food resources available during the summer. Families can use SUN Bucks for groceries while children continue to participate in free summer meal programs in their communities.

Summer can put significant pressure on a family’s food budget. The meals children receive at school represent food that caregivers don’t have to purchase themselves. Once those meals disappear for the summer, families may suddenly need to provide several additional breakfasts and lunches for each child every week.

For households already balancing food costs with rent, utilities, transportation, child care, and other necessities, those additional expenses can be difficult to absorb.

Summer food assistance helps fill that seasonal gap. By putting grocery dollars directly into families’ hands, SUN Bucks can help parents, grandparents, and other caregivers keep food on the table throughout the months when children aren’t in school.
 

No family should have to worry about whether their children will have enough to eat simply because school is closed for the summer.

SUN Bucks is an important tool for fighting summer hunger. By helping families afford groceries and connecting eligible children with nutrition assistance, the program can make summer easier for households across Massachusetts.